THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

OR 

O'lWA  INARI 


BY    THIS    AUTHOR 
SAKURAMBO 

(THE  FRUIT  OF  THE  TREE) 

Travel  notes  on  thoughts  and  things  Japanese,  exper  - 
eneed  during  a  four  years'  sojourn  in  the  country 

Octavo.     339  pages. 

MORE  JAPONICO 

A  critique  of  the  effect  of  an  idea — communityism — 
on  the  life  and  history  of  a  people 

Octavo.     VI,  594  pages. 

SAITO  MUSASHI-BO  BENKEI 

(TALES  OF  THE  WARS  OF  THE  GEMPEI) 

Being  the  story  of  the  lives  and  adventures  of 
lyo-no-Kami  Minamoto  Kuro  Yoshitsune  and  Sait5 
Musashi-Bo  Benkei  the  Warrior  Monk  , 

Octavo.     2  Vols.,  XXI,  844  pages,  with  69  full  page 
illustrations  (frontispieces  in  color)  and 
three  maps. 

OGURI  HANGWAN  ICHIDAIKI 

(TALES  OF  THE  SAMURAI) 

Being  the  story  of  the  lives,  the  adventures,  and  the 
mis-adventures  of  the  Hangwan-dai  Kojiro  Sukeshige 
and  Ternte-hime,  his  wife 

Octavo.     XV,  485  pages,  with  45  full  page  illustrations 
(frontispiece  in  color)  and  three  maps. 


X3 


The  O'Iwa  of  the  Tamiya  Inari  .Iikja 
of  echizenborl,  tokyo 


TALES  OF  THE  TOKUGAWA 

THE 

YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

OR 

O'lWA  INARI 

RETOLD  FROM  THE  JAPANESE  ORIGINALS      ' 

BY 

JAMES  S.  DE  BENNEVILLE 


"The  mainspring  of  human  existence 
is  love  {7iasake),  for  others  or — oneself." 

— Seishin 


PRESS  OF 

J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  COMPANY 

PHILADELPHIA,  U.  S.  A. 
1917 


copyright,  1917,  by 
James  Seguin  de  Benneville 


PRINTED    AND    COPYRIGHTED    IN    THE    UNITED    STATES   OF   AMERICA 


PREFACE  ^:P.  P  ""^  '^ 


1^17 

Tales  of  the  Tokugawa  can  well  be  introduced  by  two  "  won- 
der-stories "  of  Nippon.  One  of  these,  the  Yotsuya  Kwaidan,^ 
is  presented  in  the  present  volume,  not  so  much  because  of  the 
incidents  involved  and  the  peculiar  relation  to  a  phase  of  Nip- 
ponese mentality,  as  from  the  fact  that  it  contains  all  the 
machinery  of  the  Nipponese  ghost  story.  From  this  point  of  view 
the  reading  of  one  of  these  tales  disposes  of  a  whole  class  of  the 
native  literature.  Difference  of  detail  is  found.  But  unless  the 
tale  carries  some  particular  interest,  as  of  curious  illustration  of 
customs  or  history — the  excuse  for  a  second  presentation — a  long 
course  of  such  reading  becomes  more  than  monotonous.  It  is 
unprofitable.  Curiously  enough,  it  can  be  said  that  most  Nip- 
ponese ghost  stories  are  true.  When  a  sword  is  found  en- 
shrined, itself  the  malevolent  influence — as  is  the  Muramasa  blade 
of  the  Hamamatsu  Suwa  Jinja,  the  subject  of  the  Komatsu 
Onryu  of  Matsubayashi  Hakuchi — and  with  such  tradition 
attached  to  it,  it  is  difficult  to  deny  a  basis  of  fact  attaching  to  the 
tradition.  The  ghost  story  becomes  merely  an  elaboration  of 
an  event  that  powerfully  impressed  the  men  of  the  day  and  place. 
Moreover  this  naturalistic  element  can  be  detected  in  the  stories 
themselves.  Nipponese  writers  of  to-day  explain  most  of  them 
by  the  word  shinkei — "  nerves  " ;  the  working  of  a  guilty  con- 
science moulding  succeeding  events,  and  interpreting  the  results 
to  the  subsequent  disaster  involved.  The  explanation  is  some- 
what at  variance  with  the  native  Shint5  doctrine  of  the  moral 
perfection  of  the  Nipponese,  and  its  maxim — follow  the  dictates 
of  one's  heart;  but  that  is  not  our  present  concern. 

*  Kwaidan  means  "  Wonder  Tale."  The  word  is  of  general  mean- 
ing, requiring  liinitation  for  the  specific  case. 

7 


507198 


8  PREFACE 

Their  theory,  however,  finds  powerful  support  in  the  nature 
of  the  Nipponese  ghost.  The  Buddhist  ghost  does  not  remain 
on  earth.  It  has  its  travels  and  penalties  to  go  through  in  the 
nether  world,  or  its  residence  in  Paradise,  before  it  begins  a  new 
life — somewhere.  The  Shinto  ghost,  in  the  vagueness  of  Shinto 
theology,  does  remain  on  earth.  If  of  enough  importance  it  is 
enshrined,  and  rarely  goes  abroad,  except  when  carried  in  proces- 
sion at  the  time  of  the  temple  festival.  Otherwise  it  finds  its  home 
in  the  miniature  shrine  of  the  kami-dana  or  god-shelf.  There  is 
a  curious  confusion  of  Nipponese  thought  on  this  subject;  at  least 
among  the  mass  of  laity.  At  the  Bon-Matsuri  the  dead  revisit  the 
scene  of  their  earthly  sojourn  for  the  space  of  three  days;  and  yet 
the  worship  of  the  ihai,  or  mortuary  tablets,  the  food  offerings 
with  ringing  of  the  bell  to  call  the  attention  of  the  resident  Spirit 
is  a  daily  rite  at  the  household  Buddhist  shrine  (Butsu-dan). 
When,  therefore,  the  ghost  does  not  conform  to  these  well- 
regulated  habits,  it  is  because  it  is  an  unhappy  ghost.  It  is  then 
the  O'Bake  or  Bakemono,  the  hjiunting  ghost.  Either  it  has  be- 
come an  unworshipped  spirit,  or,  owing  to  some  atrocious  injury 
in  life,  it  stays  to  wander  the  earth,  and  to  secure  vengeance  on  the 
living  perpetrator.  In  most  cases  this  is  efifected  by  the  grudge 
felt  or  spoken  at  the  last  moment  of  life.  The  mind,  concentrated 
in  its  hate  and  malice  at  this  final  crisis,  secures  to  the  Spirit  a 
continued  and  unhappy  sojourn  among  the  living,  until  the  ven- 
geance be  secured,  the  grudge  satisfied,  and  the  Spirit  pacified. 
There  are  other  unhappy  conditions  of  this  revisiting  of  life's 
scenes ;  as  when  the  dead  mother  returns  to  nurse  her  infant,  or 
the  dead  mistress  to  console  a  lover.  In  the  latter  case,  at  least, 
the  expressed  affection  has  a  malignant  effect,  perhaps  pur- 
pose— as  in  the  Botan  D5ro  of  Sanyutei  Ench5,  a  writer  most 
careful  in  observing  all  the  niceties  called  for  by  the  subject. 

In  the  Nipponese  ghost  story  the  vengeful  power  of  the  ghost 
acts  through  entirely  natural  means.  The  characters  involved 
suffer  through  their  own  delusions  aroused  by  conscience.    In  the 


PREFACE  9 

old  days,  and  among  the  common  people  in  Nippon  to-day,  the 
supernatural  was  and  is  believed  in,  with  but  few  exceptions. 
Such  stories  still  are  held  to  be  fact,  albeit  the  explanation  is 
modern.  Hence  it  can  be  said  that  the  "  Yotsuya  Kwaidan  "  is  a 
true  story.  O'lwa,  the  Lady  of  Tamiya,  really  did  exist  in  the 
Genroku  and  Horei  periods  (1688-1710)  ;  just  ante-dating  the 
reforming  rule  of  the  eighth  Tokugawa  Shogun,  Yoshimune  Ko. 
Victim  of  an  atrocious  plot  of  her  husband  and  others,  she  com- 
mitted suicide  with  the  vow  to  visit  her  rage  upon  all  engaged 
in  the  conspiracy.  The  shrine  of  the  O'lwa  Inari  (Fox-witched 
O'lwa)  in  Yotsuya  was  early  erected  (1717)  to  propitiate  her 
wrathful  ghost ;  and  the  shrines  of  Nippon,  to  the  shabbiest  and 
meanest,  have  their  definite  record.  On  the  register  the  name  of 
the  husband  appears  as  Ibei ;  "  probably  correct,"  as  Mr.  Momo- 
gawa  tells  us.  With  him  the  name  of  lemon  is  retained  in  the 
present  story.  lemon  is  the  classic  example  of  the  wicked  and 
brutal  husband,  on  the  stage  and  in  the  Gidayu  recitation  of  Nip- 
pon. There  was  but  little  reason  to  revert  to  the  record.  The 
shrine  always  prospered.  It  appears  on  the  maps  of  the  district 
as  late  as  Ansei  fourth  year  (1857)  ;  and  the  writer  has  had 
described  to  him  by  a  friend  a  visit  to  this  shrine  some  twenty 
years  ago.  The  lady  in  question  referred  to  it  rather  vaguely 
as  beyond  Samegafuchi :  i.e.,  at  Yotsuya  Samoncho.  It  was  par- 
ticularly favoured  by  the  hair  dressers,  and  to  the  eyes  of  a  young 
girl  was  a  gorgeous  structure  in  its  continually  renewed  decora- 
tion. Inquiry  of  late  in  the  district  elicited  the  information  that 
the  shrine  had  been  removed.  Many  changes  have  been  made  on 
the  southern  side  of  Yotsuya  by  the  passage  of  the  railway  from 
lidamachi  to  Shinjuku.  The  Myogyoji,  with  other  temples  there 
located,  has  been  swept  away.  In  fact  the  Meiji  period  handled 
all  those  institutions  established  by  deceased  piety  with  great 
roughness.  Teramachi — Temple  Street — is  now  but  a  name.  The 
temples  of  eastern  Yotsuya  have  nearly  all  disappeared.  Have 
public  institutions  occupied  this  "  public  land  "?    Of  course;  the 


10  PREFACE 

sites  were  sold  for  the  secular  purpose  of  profit,  and  poverty 
spread  wide  and  fast  over  them.  Yotsuya  got  the  shell  of  this 
oyster. 

About  the  middle  of  Meiji  therefore  (say  1893)  the  shrine 
disappeared  from  Yotsuya  Samonchd ;  to  be  re-erected  in  Echizen- 
bori  near  the  Sumidagawa.  Local  inquiry  could  or  would  give 
but  little  information.  A  fortunate  encounter  at  the  Denzu-In 
with  an  University  student,  likewise  bent  on  hunting  out  the  old 
sites  of  Edo's  history,  set  matters  right.  Subsequent  visits  to 
the  newer  shrine  were  not  uninteresting,  though  the  presence  of 
the  mirror  of  O'lwa  and  of  the  bamboo  tube  inclosing  her  Spirit 
(Mr.  Momogawa)  was  strenuously  denied  by  the  incumbent.  In 
the  presence  of  the  very  genuine  worship  at  the  lady's  shrine  much 
stress  need  not  be  laid  on  the  absence. 

The  present  story  practically  is  based  on  the  "  Yotsuya  Kwai- 
dan  "  of  Shunkintei  Ryuo,  a  famous  story-teller  of  the  Yoshiwara, 
and  an  old  man  when  the  "  Restoration  "  of  the  Meiji  period 
occurred.  The  sketch  given  in  the  "  OTwa  Inari  Yurei  "  of 
Momogawa  Jakuen  filled  in  gaps,  and  gave  much  suggestion  in 
moulding  the  story  into  a  consistent  whole.  Parts  merely 
sketched  by  the  older  story-teller  found  completeness.  This  col- 
lection of  ghost  stories — the  "  Kwaidan  Hyaku  Monogatari  " 
published  by  the  Kokkwado— is  in  the  main  written  by  Mr. 
Momogawa,  and  can  be  recommended  as  one  of  the  best  of  these 
collections,  covering  in  shorter  form  the  more  important  stories 
of  this  class  of  the  native  literature.  The  "  Yotsuya  Kwaidan  " 
of  Shinsai  Toyo,  one  of  the  older  and  livelier  of  the  Kodan  lec- 
turers, gives  the  scene  at  the  house  of  Chobei,  and  his  quarrel 
with  Toemon.  It  is  found  in  the  "  Kwaidan-Shu  "  published  by 
the  Hakubun-kwan.  The  gidayn  (heroic  recitation)  and  the 
drama  handle  all  these  stories  for  their  own  peculiar  purposes. 
The  incidents  of  a  tale  are  so  distorted,  for  stage  use  and  dramatic 
efiPect,  as  to  make  these  literary  forms  of  sniall  avail.  The  letter 
of  O'Hana,  however,  is  practically  that  of  the  play  of  Tsuruya 


PREFACE  1 1 

Namboku  (Katsu  Byozo).  It  has  been  thought  well  to  append 
to  the  story  the  gidayu  of  this  writer,  covering  the  scene  in  lemon's 
house.  Also  the  strange  experience  of  the  famous  actor  Kiku- 
goro,  third  of  that  name,  is  put  into  English  for  the  curious 
reader.  Kikugoro  was  the  pioneer  in  the  representation  of  the 
Namboku  drama. 

This  life  history  of  the  O'lwa  Inari — the  moving  cause  of  the 
establishment  of  her  shrine — is  no  mere  ghost  story.  It  is  a  very 
curious  exposition  of  life  in  Edo  among  a  class  of  officials  en- 
tirely different  from  the  fighting  samurai  who  haunted  the  fencing 
schools  of  Edo ;  from  the  men  higher  up  in  social  status,  who 
risked  heads,  or  rather  bellies,  in  the  politics  of  the  day  and  the 
struggle  to  obtain  position,  which  meant  power,  in  the  palace 
clique.  These  latter  were  men  who  sought  to  have  a  share  in  the 
government  of  the  Shogun's  person,  and  hence  of  the  nation. 
They  strove  to  seat  themselves  in  the  high  posts  of  the  palace. 
Here  was  a  rapidly  revolving  wheel  to  which  a  man  must  cling,  or 
be  dashed  to  pieces.  To  prevent  being  shoved  off  into  destruction 
they  used  every  means  of  slander  and  intrigue,  and  fought  against 
such,  that  the  life  of  a  rich  and  luxurious  court  afforded.  The 
result,  too  often,  was  the  present  of  a  dagger  from  the  suzerain 
they  sought  to  please.  Trapped  into  some  breach  of  the  harsh 
discipline,  or  even  of  mere  form  of  etiquette,  the  gift  was  "respect- 
fully received  "  with  the  mocking  face  of  gratitude,  even  from 
the  hand  of  the  successful  rival  in  office.  At  his  home  the  de- 
feated politician  cut  his  belly  open.  His  obedience  to  the  suzerain's 
will  was  duly  reported.  His  family  was  ruined  or  reprieved 
according  to  a  capricious  estimation  of  its  power  of  resentment — 
and  it  became  a  question  of  "  who  next?  "  to  try  for  a  place  on 
the  wheel.  On  the  contrary  those  lower  officials,-  engaged  in  the 
dull  routine  of  bureaucratic  offi>ce,  had  a  much  less  dangerous 

*The  go-kenin,  for  the  most  part;  although  some  hatamoto.  whose 
incomes  ran  as  low  as  300  koku  could  be  classed  with  them.  In  Eng- 
lish— cf.  T.  H.  Gubbins — Trans.  Asiatic  Soc.  of  Japan,  xv. 


12  PREFACE 

service  and  etiquette  to  deal  with.  In  insignificant  ease  they  Uved 
and  intrigued  in  their  petty  way,  under  no  obligation  to  take  sides 
in  the  politics  of  the  truly  great.  If  they  fell,  it  was  largely  their 
own  fault.  Such  was  the  position  of  those  in  immediate  contact 
with  the  working  wheels  of  the  Shogun's  Government.  The  great 
bugyO  (magistrates)  were  continually  shifting.  Their  court  staff 
was  the  solid  foundation  of  unyielding  precedent  in  form.  The 
one  was  a  court  officer;  the  others  court  officers. 

Hence  the  Kwaidan  possesses  value  for  the  social  lesson  it 
conveys.  The  admittance  of  a  stranger  to  the  ward,  his  evil 
bond  with  the  Lady  of  Taniiya,  the  previous  passion  for  O'Hana 
and  thereby  the  entanglement  of  Kwaiba  in  the  plot ;  all  form  a 
network  in  which  the  horror  of  the  story  is  balanced  by  the  useful 
lessons  to  be  drawn  by  the  mind  of  Nippon  from  its  wickedness. 
Perhaps  this  belief  in  the  effect  of  the  curse  of  the  suicide  acts 
both  in  deterring  or  bringing  back  the  erring  husband,  and  in 
saving  the  wife  from  the  extremities  of  her  despair  in  abandon- 
ment. The  story  of  OTwa,  the  belief  in  her  power,  to-day  has 
a  strong  influence  on  a  certain  class  of  the  Nipponese  mind;  espe- 
cially among  the  women.  If  the  present  writer  might  have  felt 
momentarily  an  amused  feeling  at  sight  of  her  worshippers,  it 
was  quickly  lost  at  sight  of  the  positive  unhappiness  expressed 
in  these  faces  of  the  abandoned.  A  visit  to  the  Tamiya  Inari 
is  not  necessarily  either  one  of  idle  curiosity  or  without  results. 
Some  exceedingly  painful  impressions  can  be  brought  away  in 
the  mind. 

It  is  not  entirely  in  jest  therefore  that  apology  is  made  for  the 
reproduction  of  the  story.  It  is  well  in  such  matters  to  follow 
one's  predecessors.  Moreover,  public  sentiment  is  not  to  be  de- 
rided nor  disregarded.  It  has  a  certain  title  to  respect,  even  when 
superstition  is  involved.  Hence  the  statement  can  be  made,  that 
in  telling  this  story  of  the  "  Yotsuya  Kwaidan  "  no  derogatory 
motive  is  involved — to  people,  class,  or  person ;  least  of  all  in 
reference  to  the  dread  Lady  of  Tamiya. 

Omarudani — 4th  July,  1916. 


CONTENTS 


Chapter.  Page 

Proem 15 

I.  O'mino  and  Densuke 17 

II.  Kawai  San  of  Kanda  Ku 28 

III.  Takahashi  Daihachiro 35 

IV.  The  Appearance  of  O'Iwa  San 43 

V.  The  Affair  of  the  Shiba  Kiridoshi 49 

VI.  Negotiations:     The  Business  of  a  Nakodo  or  Marriage 

Broker 63 

VII.  Iemon  Appears 74 

VIII.  If  Old  Acquaintance  be  Forgot 86 

IX.  Love  Knots 93 

X.  The  Plot  Against  O'iwa 99 

XI.  The  Plot  Develops 106 

XII.  Kwaiba's  Revenge 114 

XIII.  The  Yotaka  (Nighthawks)  of  Honjo 123 

XIV.  The  Punishment 131 

XV.  Chobei  Gets  the  News 141 

XVI.  News  Reaches  Kwaiba 155 

XVII.  News  of  Kwaiba 162 

XVIII.  In  the  Shadow  of  the  Go  Inkyo 173' 

XIX.  Tamiya  Yoemon:    With  News   of  Kondo    Rokurobei    and 

Myozen  the  Priest 180 

XX.  Kibei  Dono 195 

XXI.  Matters  Ecclesiastical 212 

XXII.  The  Rites  for  O'Iwa 222 

XXIII.  The  Sanzugawa,  Bridgeless;  the  Flowerless  Road  Trav- 
ersed BY  the  Dead 233 

Appendices 251 


KASAI 
BARA 


LEGEND. 


The  outline  of  the  map  is  that  found  in  Volume  I.  of 
the  Edo  Sunago,  published  Keio  2nd  year  (1866).  The 
detail  of  district  maps  found  in  the  book  is  worked  in, 
together  with  that  from  the  sectional  map  of  Edo  pub- 
lished Ansei  4th  j'ear  (1857),  and  from  the  Go  Edo 
Zusetiu  Shuran  published  Ivaei  6th  year  (1853).  The 
map  therefore  shows  in  rough  outline  the  state  of  the  city 
just  before  the  reinoval  of  the  capital  from  Kyoto  ;  the 
distribution  of  the  castes. 

The  Pre-Tokugawa  villages  (Eiroku  :  1558-1569)  indi- 
cated on  the  map  found  in  the  "  Shuran  "  are  ; — 

North  and  Sjuth  Shinj,gawa  :  Meguro-Motomura  : 
Gin-Mitamura  :  Mitamnra:  Onemura  :  Upper  and  Lower 
Shibuya^:  Ilarajuku-mura  :  Kokubunji :  Azabu  ;  Kawaza 
Icbi :  Ozawa-mura :  Iinai-mura  :  Sendagaya  :  Yama- 
naka-mura  :  Icbigaya  :  Ushigome  :  Kobiko-mura  :  Upper 
and  Lower  Hirakawa-mura  :  Oohiya  :  Sekihon  :  Ike- 
buknroya  :  Tomizaka-mura  :  Ishibukero-mura  :  Tani- 
baragaike  :  Neruma-mura  :  _Okurikyo  :  Nakarai-mura  : 
Koishikawa  :  Zoshigayatsu  :  Oji :  Shimura  :  Takinogawa  : 
Kinsoboku-mura :  Harajuku-inura  (II.) :  Komegome- 
mura  :  Taninaka-mura  :  Shimbori-mura  :  Mikawajima- 
mura  ;  Ashigahara-mura  :  Haratsuka  :  Ishihama-mura  : 
Senju-mura  :  Suda-mura  :  Sumidagawa  :  Yanagijima  : 
Jujo-mura  ;  Itabashi :  Sugamo-mura  :  Arakawa  (river) : 
Kandagawa  pool  (ike) ;  Kanda-mura  :  Shibasaki-mura  : 
Shin-Horima-mura  :  Yushima-mura  :  Shitaya-mura : 
Torigoe-mura  :  Shirosawa-mura  ;  Asakusa-mura :  Harai- 
mura :  Sorae-Ushigome  :  Ishiwara :  Kinoshitagawa  : 
Ubagaike  (pool) :  Negishi-mura  :  Kinsoki-raura  :  Kameido- 
mura  (near  Ueno) :  Shinobazu-ike  (pool). 

From  South  to  North  circling  by  the  West. 

Shinagawa  :  Mita-mura  :  Takanawa  : 

Near  Iinai-mura  is  a  MyOjin   shrine,  close  by  the 
mouth  of  the  present  Akabane  river. 

Ikura  :  Ilibiya  :  Tsukiji :  Tsukuda  :    Taine-ike  (pool) : 
Tsukuda   MyOjin  :    Ota's  castle  :    Sanke-in  i  Hirakawa- 
mura  :     Sakurada-mura  :     Honjn-raura  :     Otamage-ike  : 
Kametaka-raura.    To  the  East. 
77  villages,  total. 

Pronounce  as  in  Italian,  giving  vowels  full  value : 
cb-as  in  "  church." 


THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 
OR  O'lWA  INARI 

CHAPTER  I 
O'MINO  AND   DENSUKE 

YoTSUYA  is  a  suburb — at  the  extreme  west  of  Edo-Tokyo.  Its 
streets  are  narrow  and  winding,  though  hilly  withal ;  especially  on 
the  southern  edge  toward  the  Aoyama  district,  still  devoted  to 
cemeteries  and  palaces,  sepulchres  whited  without  and  within. 
Echizenbori  would  be  at  the  other  extremity  of  the  great  city. 
It  fronts  eastward  on  the  bank  of  the  Sumidagawa.  The  popu- 
lous and  now  poverty  stricken  districts  of  Honjo  and  Fukagawa 
beyond  the  wide  stream,  with  other  qualities,  deprive  it  of  any 
claim  of  going  to  extremes.  In  fact  Echizenbori  is  a  very  staid 
and  solid  section  of  Edo-T5ky6.  Its  streets  are  narrow;  and 
many  are  the  small  shops  to  purvey  for  the  daily  needs  of  its 
inhabitants.  But  these  rows  of  shops  are  sandwiched  in  between 
great  clumps  of  stores,  partly  warehouses  and  partly  residences 
of  the  owners  thereof.  These  stores  line  the  canals  of  Echizen- 
bori, water  courses  crowded  with  junks  carrying  their  ten  tons, 
or  their  hundreds  of  tons,  of  freight — precious  cargoes  of  rice  to  go 
into  these  stores  in  bulk,  of  shoyu  (soy)  by  the  hundred  kegs, 
of  sakarazumi  (charcoal  from  Shimosa)  by  the  thousand  tawara 
(bale),  of  fish  dried  and  fresh,  of  takuan  or  daikon  (the  huge 
white  radish)  pickled  in  salt  and  rice  bran,  of  all  the  odds  and 
ends  of  material  in  the  gross  which  go  to  make  up  the  necessi- 
ties of  living  in  a  great  city .^^L  Echizenbori  then  can  make  its 
show  of  poverty,  and  very  lii^e'display  of  wealth,  it  is  not  one 
of  the  poor  quarters  of  f^is' coital. crty  of  Nippon. 

2  ^  "^      '     '  17 


THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 
OR  O'lWA  INARI 

CHAPTER  I 
O'MINO  AND   DENSUKE 

YoTSUYA  is  a  suburb — at  the  extreme  west  of  Edo-Tokyo.  Its 
streets  are  narrow  and  winding,  though  hilly  withal ;  especially  on 
the  southern  edge  toward  the  Aoyama  district,  still  devoted  to 
cemeteries  and  palaces,  sepulchres  whited  without  and  within. 
Echizenbori  would  be  at  the  other  extremity  of  the  great  city. 
It  fronts  eastward  on  the  bank  of  the  Sumidagawa.  The  popu- 
lous and  now  poverty  stricken  districts  of  Honjo  and  Fukagawa 
beyond  the  wide  stream,  with  other  qualities,  deprive  it  of  any 
claim  of  going  to  extremes.  In  fact  Echizenbori  is  a  very  staid 
and  solid  section  of  Edo-Tokyo.  Its  streets  are  narrow;  and 
many  are  the  small  shops  to  purvey  for  the  daily  needs  of  its 
inhabitants.  But  these  rows  of  shops  are  sandwiched  in  between 
great  clumps  of  stores,  partly  warehouses  and  partly  residences 
of  the  owners  thereof.  These  stores  line  the  canals  of  Echizen- 
bori, water  courses  crowded  with  junks  carrying  their  ten  tons, 
or  their  hundreds  of  tons,  of  freight— precious  cargoes  of  rice  to  go 
into  these  stores  in  bulk,  of  shoyu  (soy)  by  the  hundred  kegs, 
of  sakarazumi  (charcoal  from  Shimosa)  by  the  thousand  tawara 
(bale),  of  fish  dried  and  fresh,  of  takiian  or  daikon  (the  huge 
white  radish)  pickled  in  salt  and  rice  bran,  of  all  the  odds  and 
ends  of  material  in  the  gross  which  go  to  make  up  the  necessi- 
ties of  living  in  a  great  citv.^Jj^  Echizenbori  then  can  make  its 
show  of  poverty,  and  \- e xy^m^^is play  of  wealth,  it  is  not  one 

of  the  poor  quarters  ol  fhis' capital  city  of  Nippon. 

1      '  n  "I 
2  17 


18  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Crossing  the  Takabashi  from  Hachobori  and  plunging  down 
the  narrow  street  opposite ;  a  short  turn  to  the  right,  a  plunge 
down  another  narrow  street  and  a  turn  to  the  right ;  one  comes  to 
the  high  cement  wall,  in  its  modernness  of  type  a  most  unusual 
attachment  to  shrine  or  temple.  The  gate  is  narrow  and  formal ; 
almost  like  the  entrance  to  a  garden  or  smaller  burying  ground. 
Within  all  is  changed  from  the  busy  outside  world.  The  area  in- 
closed is  small — perhaps  a  square  of  a  hundred  and  fifty  feet — 
but  marked  in  lines  by  a  maze  of  lanterns  of  the  cheap  iron 
variety,  set  on  cheap  wooden  posts.  On  the  right  is  seen  a  minor 
shrine  or  two  dedicated  to  the  Inari  goddess.  On  the  left  is  a 
small  building  devoted  to  votive  offerings,  the  crude  and  the  more 
elaborate.  The  most  striking  is  the  offering  of  a  little  geisha 
lady,  and  portrays  an  heroic  scene  of  early  days.  There  are 
other  portraitures,  in  which  perhaps  a  wandering  lover  is  seen 
as  a  hero,  to  the  lady's  eyes,  of  these  later  times.  On  the  outside 
of  the  structure  are  posted  up  by  the  hundred  pictures  of  once  woe- 
begone ladies,  now  rejoicing  in  the  potent  influence  of  the  Tamiya 
shrine  to  restore  to  them  the  strayed  affections  of  husband  or 
lover.  Next  in  line  is  an  open,  shed-like  structure.  It  is  a  poor 
chance  if  here  the  casual  visitor  does  not  encounter  one  or  two 
of  the  petitioners,  patiently  trotting  round  in  a  circle  from  front 
to  back,  and  reciting  their  prayers  in  this  accomplishment  of  "  the 
hundred  turns."  Just  opposite,  and  close  by,  is  the  shrine  itself. 
This  is  in  part  a  massive  store-house  set  back  in  the  domestic 
structure,  with  the  shrine  of  the  Inari  facing  the  visitor.  The 
floor  space  at  the  sides  and  before  it  often  is  piled  high  with  tubs 
of  shoyu  and  sake,  with  bundles  of  charcoal,  such  negotiable 
articles  as  the  wealthier  shopkeeper  can  offer  to  the  mighty  lady ; 
and  long  tresses  of  hair  of  women  too  poor  to  offer  anything 
else,  or  wise  enough  to  know  that  a  woman  could  make  no  greater 
sacrifice.  And  is  not  the  obj^c1>of  their  worship  a  woman?  Nu- 
merous are  these  severed  strands.  'Entering  the  shrine  and  passing 
the  pleasant  spoken  warden  at  its  entrance,  peddling  his  charms  and 


O'MINO  AND  DENSUKfi  19 

giving  advice  w^here  often  it  is  sadly  needed — perhaps  the  more 
valuable  of  his  two  public  duties — to  the  left  within  is  the  Oku- 
no-In,  the  inner  shrine  containing  the  iliai  or  memorial  tablet  of 
O'lwa.  That  the  shrine  is  popular  and  wealthy ;  that  the  lady 
is  feared,  venerated,  and  her  dreadful  powers  much  sought  after; 
this  is  plain  to  the  eye  in  the  crowded  elaborateness  of  this  inner 
holy  place  of  the  larger  sacred  structure. 

Now  Echizenbori  is  not  a  particularly  old  quarter  of  the 
city.  Long  after  Edo  was  established,  the  city,  step  by  step, 
fought  its  way  down  to  the  river;  filling  in  lagoons  and  swamps, 
and  driving  their  waters  into  the  canals  which  were  to  furnish 
very  largely  the  means  of  communication  for  its  traffic.  Yotsuya 
on  the  contrary  is  old.  Its  poverty  is  of  later  date.  In  the  Edo 
days  it  was  a  favourite  site  for  the  homes  of  doshin,  yakunin, 
and  a  whole  herd  of  the  minor  officials  who  had  the  actual  working 
of  the  great  Tokugawa  machine  of  government  in  their  hands. 
In  the  maps  of  Ansei  4th  year  (1857)  the  shrine  of  the  O'lwa 
Inari  figures  in  Samoncho,  in  its  Teramachi;  a  small  part  of  the 
great  mass  of  red,  indicating  temples  and  shrines  and  their  lands, 
which  then  covered  a  large  part  of  Yotsuya.  How  then  did  it  come 
to  pass  that  the  shrine  was  removed  to  this  far  off  site  in  Echizen- 
bori, with  such  incongruous  surroundings?  The  explanation 
must  be  found  in  our  story. 

When  the  Tenwa  year  period  (1681-83)  opened,  long  resi- 
dent at  Yotsuya  Samoncho  had  been  Tamiya  Matazaemon.  By 
status  he  was  a  minor  official  or  doshin  under  the  Tokugawa 
administration.  These  doshin  held  highest  rank  of  the  permanent 
staff  under  the  bureaucratic  establishment ;  and  on  these  men  lay 
the  main  dependence  for  smoothness  of  working  of  the  machinery 
of  the  Government.  Matazaemon  was  the  perfect  type  of  the 
under-official  of  the  day;  smooth,  civilly  impertinent  to  his  equals, 
harsh  to  his  inferiors,  and  all  unction  and  abjectness  to  his  superi- 
ors. Indeed,  he  laid  more  stress  on  those  immediately  above  him 
than  on  the  more  removed.    To*  serve  the  greater  lord  he  served 


20  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

his  immediate  officer,  being  careful  to  allow  to  the  latter  all  the 
credit.  No  small  part  of  his  function  was  to  see  that  ceremonial 
form  and  precedent  were  carried  out  to  the  letter.  It  was  the 
accurate  and  ready  knowledge  of  these  which  was  of  greatest 
import  to  his  chief,  indeed  might  save  the  latter  from  disaster. 
Matazaemon's  readiness  and  conduct  rendered  him  deservedly 
valued.  Hence  he  enjoyed  the  double  salary  of  thirty  tazvara 
of  rice,  largely  supplemented  by  gifts  coming  to  him  as  teacher 
in  hanaikc  (the  art  of  flower  arrangement)  and  of  the  cha-no-yu 
(tea  ceremony).  He  had  a  more  than  good  house,  for  one  of 
his  class,  facing  on  the  wide  Samoncho  road,  and  with  a  garden 
on  the  famous  Teramachi  or  long  street  lined  with  temples  and 
which  runs  eastward  from  that  thoroughfare.  The  garden  of 
Tamiya  almost  faced  the  entrance  to  the  Gwanshoji,  which  is 
one  of  the  few  relics  of  the  time  still  extant.  It  was  large  enough 
to  contain  some  fifteen  or  twenty  fruit  trees,  mainly  the  kaki 
or  persimmon,  for  Matazaemon  was  of  practical  mind.  Several 
cherry  trees,  however,  periodically  displayed  their  bloom  against 
the  rich  dark  green  foliage  of  the  fruit  trees ;  and  in  one  corner, 
to  set  forth  the  mystic  qualities  of  a  small  Inari  shrine  relic  of 
a  former  owner,  were  five  or  six  extremely  ancient,  gnarled, 
and  propped  up  plum  trees,  sufficient  in  number  to  cast  their 
delicate  perfume  through  garden  and  house  in  the  second  month 
(March). 

Such  was  the  home  of  Matazaemon ;  later  that  of  OTwa  San. 
It  was  pretentious  enough  to  make  display  with  a  large  house- 
hold. But  the  master  of  Tamiya  was  as  close-fisted  and  hard 
and  bitter  as  an  unripe  bhva  (medlar).  His  wealth  was  the  large 
and  unprofitable  stone  which  lay  within ;  the  acid  pulp,  a  shal- 
low layer,  all  he  had  to  give  to  society  in  his  narrow  minded  ad- 
herence to  official  routine ;  the  smooth,  easily  peeled  skin  the 
outward  sign  of  his  pretentions  to  social  status  and  easily  aroused 
acidity  of  temper.  With  most  of  his  neighbours,  and  all  his  rela- 
tives, he  had  a  standing  quarrel.     Secure  in  his  lord's  favour  as 


O'MINO  AND  DENSUKfi  21 

an  earnest  officer,  so  little  did  he  care  for  the  dislike  of  the 
ward  residents  that  he  was  ever  at  drawn  swords  with  the  head 
of  his  ward-association,  Ito  Kwaiba.  As  for  the  relatives,  they 
were  only  too  ready  to  come  to  closer  intimacy ;  and  Matazaemon 
knew  it. 

His  household  consisted  of  his  wife  O'Naka,  his  daughter 
O'Mino,  and  the  man  servant  Densuke.  The  garden  Matazaemon 
would  allow  no  one  to  attend  to  but  himself.  The  two  women 
did  all  the  work  of  the  household  which  ordinarily  would  fall 
to  woman-kind,  with  something  more.  Densuke  performed  the 
heavier  tasks,  accompanied  his  master  on  his  outings,  and  repre- 
sented his  contribution  to  the  service  of  the  ward  barrier,  the 
Okido,  on  the  great  Koshu-Kaido  and  just  beyond  the  Uban- 
gumi.  The  barrier  cut  off  Yotsuya  from  the  Naito-Shinjuku  dis- 
trict, and,  as  an  entrance  into  Edo,  was  of  considerable  importance. 
When  the  time  of  service  came  Densuke  appeared  in  full  uniform 
and  with  his  pike.  A  handsome  young  fellow  of  nineteen  years, 
the  women,  especially  O'Mino,  saw  to  it  that  his  appearance  should 
be  a  credit  to  the  House.  His  progress  up  the  wide  Samoncho, 
up  to  his  disappearance  into  the  great  highway,  was  watched  by 
O'Mino — and  by  the  neighbours,  who  had  much  sharper  eyes  and 
tongues  than  Matazaemon  and  his  wife.     They  marvelled. 

With  ground  for  marvel.  In  the  eyes  of  her  parents  O'Mino 
was  the  most  beautiful  creature  ever  created.  Occasionally 
Matazaemon  would  venture  on  criticism.  "  Naka,  something  is 
to  be  said  to  Mino.  Too  much  powder  is  used  on  the  face.  Un- 
less the  colour  of  the  skin  be  very  dark,  the  use  of  too  much 
powder  is  not  good.  Mino  is  to  be  warned  against  excess."  Thus 
spoke  the  official  in  his  most  official  tone  and  manner.  Wife 
and  daughter  heard  and  disobeyed;  the  wife  because  she  was 
ruled  by  her  daughter,  and  the  daughter  because  she  would  emu- 
late the  fair  skin  of  Densuke  and  be  fairer  in  his  eyes.  O'Mino 
had  suffered  both  from  fate  and  fortune.  She  had  been  born 
ugly ;  with  broad,  flat  face  like  unto  the  moon  at  full,  or  a  dish. 


22  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Her  back  was  a  little  humped,  her  arms  disproportionately  long, 
losing  in  plumpness  what  they  gained  in  extension.  She  seemed 
to  have  no  breasts  at  all,  the  chest  forming  a  concavity  in  corre- 
spondence to  the  convexity  of  the  back,  with  a  smoothness  much 
like  the  inner  surface  of  a  bowl.  This  perhaps  was  no  disad- 
vantage— under  the  conditions.  So  much  for  fate.  But  fortune 
had  been  no  kinder.  "Blooming"  into  girlhood,  she  had  been 
attacked  by  smallpox.  Matazaemon  was  busy,  and  knew  nothing 
of  sick  nursing.  O'Naka  was  equally  ignorant,  though  she  was 
well  intentioned.  Of  course  the  then  serving  wench  knew  no 
more  than  her  mistress.  O'Mino  was  allowed  to  claw  her  coun- 
tenance and  body,  as  the  itching  of  the  sores  drove  her  nearly 
frantic.  In  fact,  O'Naka  in  her  charity  aided  her.  The  result 
was  that  she  was  most  hideously  pock-marked.  Furthermore, 
the  disease  cost  her  an  eye,  leaving  a  cavity,  a  gaping  and  un- 
sightly wound,  comparable  to  the  dumplings  called  kuzumanju, 
white  pufify  masses  of  rice  dough  with  a  depression  in  the  centre 
marked  by  a  dab  of  the  dark-brown  bean  paste.  The  neighbours 
used  to  say  that  O'Mino  was  nin  san  bake  shichi — that  is,  three 
parts  human  and  seven  parts  apparition.  The  more  critical  re- 
duced her  humanity  to  the  .factor  one.  The  children  had  no 
name  for  her  but  "Oni"  (fiend).  They  had  reason  for  this.  They 
would  not  play  with  her,  and  treated  her  most  cruelly.  O'Mino, 
who  was  of  no  mild  temperament,  soon  learned  to  retaliate  by 
use  of  an  unusually  robust  frame,  to  which  was  united  by  nature 
and  circumstances  her  father's  acidity  of  character.  When  the 
odds  were  not  too  great  all  the  tears  were  not  on  O'Mino's  side ; 
but  she  suffered  greatly,  and  learned  with  years  that  the  Tamiya 
garden  was  her  safest  playground. 

O'Mino  grew  into  a  woman.  Affection  had  to  find  some 'out- 
let. Not  on  the  practical  and  very  prosaic  mother;  not  on  the 
absorbed  and  crabbed  father;  but  on  Densuke,  on  the  samurai's 
attendant  or  chugen,  it  fell.  All  manner  of  little  services  were 
rendered  to  him ;  even  such  as  would  appropriately  fall  within 


O'MINO  AND  DENSUKfi  23 

his  own  performance.  At  first  O'Mino  sought  out  Httle  missions 
for  him  to  perform,  out  of  the  line  of  his  usual  duties,  and  well 
rewarded  in  coin.  This  was  at  his  first  appearance  in  the  house. 
Then  she  grew  bolder.  Densuke  found  his  clothing  undergoing 
mysterious  repairs  and  replacement.  His  washing,  even  down 
to  the  loin  cloths,  was  undertaken  by  the  Ojosan.  Densuke  did 
not  dare  to  question  or  thwart  her.  Any  trifling  fault  O'Mino 
took  on  herself,  as  due  to  her  meddling.  She  became  bolder  and 
bolder,  and  sought  his  assistance  in  her  own  duties,  until  finally 
they  were  as  man  and  maid  employed  in  the  same  house.  Mata- 
zaemon  noted  little  increases  in  the  house  expenses.  O'Mino  took 
these  as  due  to  her  own  extravagance.  The  father  grunted  a 
little  at  these  unusual  expenditures.  "  What  goes  out  at  one  end 
must  be  cut  off  at  the  other  end.  Densuke,  oil  is  very  expensive. 
At  night  a  light  is  not  needed.  Be  sure,  therefore,  on  going  to 
bed  to  extinguish  the  light."  Densuke  at  once  obeyed  his  mas- 
ter's order;  and  that  very  night,  for  the  first  time,  O'Mino  boldly 
sought  his  couch.  Confused,  frightened,  overpowered  by  a  pas- 
sionate woman,  Densuke  sinned  against  his  lord,  with  his  master's 
daughter  as  accomplice. 

Henceforth  Densuke  had  what  O'Mino  was  willing  to  give 
him.  On  Matazaemon's  going  forth  to  his  duties,  O'Mino,  and 
O'Naka  under  her  orders,  did  all  his  household  work.  The 
only  return  required  was  submission  to  the  exigencies  of  the 
Ojosan.  This  was  no  slight  obligation.  Densuke  at  times  thought 
of  escape,  to  his  home  at  Togane  village  in  Kazusa,  to  his  uncle 
Kyubei  in  the  Kanda  quarter  of  Edo.  O'Mino  seemed  to  divine 
his  thoughts.  She  would  overload  him  with  favors ;  or  openly 
express  her  purpose  of  following  wherever  he  went  in  life. 
Kanda?  Kyijbei  was  a  well-known  hanger-on  at  the  Tamiya. 
Matazaemon  entered  him  up  in  his  expense  book  at  so  much 
a  year.  Togane?  He  could  not  get  there  except  through  Kyubei. 
Matazaemon  had  farms  there,  and  the  nanushi  or  village  bailiff 
was  his  servant.     Besides,  he  would  be  a  runaway.     Matazaemon 


24  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

surely  would  come  down  on  Kyubei  as  the  security.  So  the 
months  passed,  and  matters  were  allowed  to  drift.  Perhaps  it 
was  some  gossip  of  the  quarter  which  reached  the  deaf  ears  of 
Matazaemon.  As  he  was  about  to  go  forth  one  day  he  followed 
the  figure  of  O'Mind  sharply  with  his  little  eyes  all  screwed  up. 
"  Naka,  there  seems  change  in  the  figure  of  Mino.  Surely  the 
gossip  of  the  neighbours  as  to  Densuke  is  not  true?  Mino  is  said 
to  harbour  a  child  by  him.-  In  such  case  it  would  be  necessary 
to  kill  them  both.  Warn  Mino  in  time;  a  chugcn  is  not  one  to 
become  the  adopted  son  (muko)  of  the  Tamiya.  He  is  an  ex- 
cellent lad,  and  costs  but  little.  His  habits  are  not  riotous.  To 
dismiss  him  thus  causelessly  would  not  only  be  unjust,  but  to 
no  profit.  Mino  giving  heed  to  the  warning,  all  will  be  well." 
With  this  the  lord  of  the  household  stalked  forth  to  the  house 
entrance.  Receiving  his  clogs  from  O'Mino,  he  stalked  forth  to 
his  official  attendance.  The  two  women,  prostrate  in  salutation 
at  his  exit,  raised  their  heads  to  watch  him  stalk. 

It  was  a  frightened  face  that  O'Naka  turned  to  her  daughter. 
In  whispering  voice — "The  honoured  father's  words  have  been 
heard?  If  not,  it  is  to  be  said  that  gossip  of  the  neighbourhood 
has  come  to  his  ears  as  to  relations  with  Densuke.  He  notices 
that  an  obi  is  not  often  worn;  and  when  worn  is  soon  discarded. 
However,-  a  man's  eye  is  not  so  apt  in  such  matters.  Even  in  this 
Naka  cannot  speak  positively.  Doubtless  the  report  is  not  true." 
O'Mino,  if  ugly,  was  anything  but  obtuse.  Her  mother  must  know  ; 
and  yet  not  know.  "  My  honoured  father  does  not  consider  the 
diflference  of  age  and  status  in  Densuke.  Densuke  is  but  a  boy. 
This  Mino  has  passed  her  twenty-third  year.  Moreover,  surely 
she  deserves  a  better  husband  than  a  chftgen.  Least  of  all  would 
she  give  her  father  cause  for  regret  or  painful  thoughts.  Can 
a  woman  be  pregnant  otherwise  than  by  a  man?"  O'Mino,  re- 
spectfully prostrate,  with  this  raised  her  head.  The  two  women 
looked  each  other  in  the  face.  Finally  O'Naka  said — "  With  joy 
is  the  answer  heard.     But  Matazaemon  San  is  of  hasty  temper. 


O'MINO  AND  DENSUKfi  25 

In  his  suspicions  even  he  is  to  be  avoided.  However,  the  busi- 
ness of  the  house  is  to  be  performed.  This  will  take  the  time 
until  late  in  the  day.  Tradesmen  may  come  for  payments  of 
the  month.  In  the  closet  ten  ryo  in  silver  will  be  found.  Here 
are  the  keys  to  the  chests.  It  would  be  well  to  take  an  inventory 
of  the  effects.  The  winter  is  at  hand.  It  is  time  to  make  warmer 
provision  for  it.  Be  sure  to  observe  circumspection."  With  these 
words,  and  a  sad  look  at  her  erring  daughter,  O'Naka  donned 
street  garb,  threw  a  haori  (cloak)  over  her  shoulders,  climbed 
down  into  her  clogs,  and  their  patter  soon  disappeared  down 
the  street. 

Her  departure  was  almost  coincident  with  the  reappearance 
of  Densuke.  His  attendance  on  the  master  to  the  offices  of  the 
palace  stables  accomplished,  for  the  time  being  he  had  returned. 
Thus  did  Matazaemon  effect  an  outward  state  and  an  household 
economy.  None  too  willing  was  the  presence  of  Densuke.  He 
was  faithful  in  his  way  to  O'Mino,  and  much  afraid  of  her. 
Even  in  the  most  private  intercourse  to  him  she  was  the  Ojosan, 
the  daughter  of  the  House ;  but  he  had  no  other  recourse  than 
the  Tamiya.  Once  assured  of  him,  O'Mino  had  cut  off  all  the 
previous  flow  of  coin,  and  with  it  the  means  of  his  rare  indiscre- 
tions at  the  Shinjuku  pleasure  quarter.  Besides,  their  interviews 
took  place  in  the  darkness  of  night.  In  the  daytime  O'Naka 
usually  was  present,  who,  lacking  other  company,  sought  that 
of  her  daughter,  and  moreover  was  unwilling  to  be  too  compla- 
cent in  the  intrigue  she  saw  going  on.  As  soon  as  the  sound  of 
Densuke's  steps  was  heard,  O'Mino  called  him.  There  was  a 
sharpness  in  her  tone,  a  note  of  alarmed  decision,  that  frightened 
and  chilled  him.  Humbly  he  sought  her  presence.  A  glance 
showed  the  absence  of  O'Naka,  yet  as  usual  he  prostrated  him- 
self in  salutation.  In  that  position  he  did  not  see  her  face.  She 
said  impatiently — "  For  salutation  there  is  no  time  nor  occasion. 
It  is  no  longer  the  Ojosan  who  speaks;  it  is  the  wife.  My  father 
knows  all  concerning  this  Mino  and  Densuke.     On  his  return 


26  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

he  is  sure  to  take  the  occasion  of  the  presence  of  both  to  kill 
us.  It  is  his  right  and  our  duty  to  submit  to  his  punishment. 
But  to  do  so  consigns  the  infant  in  the  womb  from  darkness 
to  darkness.  This  is  too  dreadful  to  contemplate.  Unfilial  though 
it  be,  we  must  run  away.  Make  up  your  mind  to  do  so."  Den- 
suke  looked  up.  She  was  bent  in  meditation  over  this  flight. 
The  corners  of  the  mouth  widened  out,  the  eyelid  drooping  more 
conspicuously  than  ever  and  forming  a  heavy  fold  over  the  empty 
socket,  the  bald  brow,  the  scanty  hair  at  the  sides  in  disordered 
whisps  and  strands,  all  these  made  her  a  hideous  mask.  He 
could  not  endure  the  sight.  Timidly  he  said — "  Terrible  news 
indeed  !  How  has  it  happened  ?  Surely,  honoured  lady,  you  have 
been  very  rash ;  nay,  somewhat  clumsy  withal.  Cannot  women 
take  their  pleasure  with  whom  they  please  without  such  dire  re- 
sults ?  Ah !  Such  luxury,  such  pleasant  surroundings !  All 
must  be  abandoned.  This  Densuke  will  seek  his  native  village 
in  Kazusa.  And  the  Ojosan  whither  will  she  go;  what  will  she 
do?" 

Was  the  question  asked  in  innocence,  or  in  deepest  guile? 
O'Mino  could  not  have  answered,  well  as  she  thought  she  knew 
Densuke.  He  felt  a  hand  on  his  shoulder.  He  sprang  up  in 
fright,  hardly  knowing  whether  it  was  a  demon,  or  O'Mino 
turned  demon,  who  confronted  him.  Her  mouth  half  open,  her 
large,  white,  shining,  even  teeth  all  displayed,  her  single  eye 
darting  malignant  gleams,  and  the  empty  socket  and  its  fold 
quivering  and  shaking,  she  was  a  frightful  object.  "  To  speak 
of  pleasure  without  the  consequences,  such  talk  is  that  of  a  fool. 
Densuke  was  taken  for  the  relationship  of  the  two  worlds.  Now 
you  would  abandon  me.  Very  well — do  so.  But  this  Mino  does 
not  perish  by  her  father's  sword.  The  well  is  at  hand.  Within 
three  days  I  shall  reappear  and  hunt  you  out.  Torn  to  pieces 
the  wretched  man  shall  die  a  miserable  death.  Better  would  it 
be  now  to  die  with  Mino.  A  last  salutation  .  .  ."  Two 
vigorous  arms  seized  his  neck.     Densuke  gave  a  cry  of  anguish 


O'MINO  AND  DENSUKfi  27 

as  the  sharp  teeth  marked  the  ear.  Letting  him  go,  she  sprang 
to  the  roka  (verandah).  Frightened  as  he  was,  Densuke  was 
too  quick  for  her.  He  grasped  her  robe.  "  Nay !  The  Ojosan 
must  not  act  so  desperately.  Densuke  spoke  as  one  clumsy,  and 
at  a  loss  what  to  do  .  .  .  yes  ...  we  must  run  away 
.  .  .  there  is  the  uncle,  Kawai,  in  Kanda.  To  him  Densuke 
will  go,  and  there  learn  the  will  of  Tamiya  Dono."  O'Mino's 
tragic  attitude  lapsed.  At  once  she  was  the  practical  woman  of 
the  house.  She  gave  thanks  for  her  mother's  foresight.  "  The 
escape  is  not  as  of  those  unprovided.  Here  are  ten  ryo  in  silver. 
A  bundle  is  to  be  made  of  the  clothing  and  other  effects.  This 
is  to  be  carried  by  Densuke.  And  the  uncle :  Mino  presenting 
herself  for  the  first  time  as  wife,  a  present  is  to  be  brought. 
What  should  it  be?  "  She  talked  away,  already  busy  with  piling 
clothes,  quilts  {futon),  toilet  articles  onto  a  large  furoshiki 
or  square  piece  of  cloth.  Then  she  arrayed  her  person  with 
greatest  care,  and  in  the  soberest  and  richest  fashion  as  the  newly- 
wed  wife.  With  time  Densuke  managed  to  get  his  breath  amid 
this  vortex  of  unexpected  confusion  into  which  he  had  been 
launched.  "  The  uncle's  teeth  are  bad.  Soft  takuan  ^  is  just  the 
thing.  For  long  he  has  eaten  little  else.  Four  or  five  stalks  are 
sufficient."  He  went  to  the  kitchen  to  secure  this  valued  gift. 
Then  he  collected  his  own  possessions.  With  the  huge  bundle 
of  the  furoshiki  on  his  shoulders ;  with  straw  raincoat,  sun  hat, 
clogs  for  wet  and  dry  weather,  piled  on  the  top,  and  the  stalks 
of  the  takuan  dangling  down ;  "  it  was  just  as  if  they  were  running 
away  from  a  fire."  As  Densuke  departed  O'Mino  closely  ob- 
served him.  He  was  too  subdued,  too  scared  to  give  her  anxiety. 
Later  she  left  the  house  to  join  him  at  the  Hanzo-bashi,  far  enough 
removed  from  Yotsuya.  It  was  then  Tenwa,  2d  year,  nth  month 
(December,   1682). 

1  The  hard  palatable  pickled  yellow  daikon  (radish).  Nukarniso- 
zuk(!  is  a  way  station  in  its  production  by  pickling  in  salt  and  bran. 
Nukamisosiike  is  better  described  than  smelt. 


CHAPTER  II 

KAWAI  SAN  OF  KANDU  KU 

This  uncle  of  Densuke,  Kawai  Kyiibe;  by  name,  was  a  rice 
dealer,  with  a  shop  in  Matsudacho  of  the  Kanda  district.  The 
distance  to  go  was  far.  As  with  all  ladies,  O'Mino  kept  Densuke 
waiting  long  at  the  Hanzo-bashi.  Indeed,  there  was  much  ro- 
mance about  this  ugly,  neglected,  hard  girl.  She  waited  until  the 
sound  of  O'Naka's  clogs  was  heard.  Then  she  halted  at  the 
corner  of  Teramachi  until  she  could  see  her  mother's  figure  in 
the  dusk;  see  it  disappear  into  the  house.  When  she  went  down 
the  street  toward  the  Samegabashi  she  was  crying.  It  was  late 
therefore— after  the  hour  of  the  pig  (9  p.  m.) — when  the  pair 
reached  Kanda.  The  business  of  the  day  was  long  over  in  this 
business  section  of  Edo.  The  houses  were  tightly  closed.  On 
reaching  the  entrance  of  Kyubei's  house  said  Densuke — "  Ojosan, 
condescend  to  wait  here  for  a  moment.  The  uncle  is  to  be  in- 
formed. Deign  to  have  an  eye  to  the  furoshiki.  Please  don't 
let  the  dogs  bite  into  or  insult  the  takuan."  He  pounded  on  the 
door.  Said  a  voice  within — "  Obasan  (Auntie)  !  Obasan  !  Some- 
one knocks.  Please  go  and  open  for  them."  The  more  quaver- 
ing and  softer  tones  of  an  old  woman  made  answer — "  No,  it 
is  not  my  turn  and  time  to  go  to  the  door.  Get  up;  and  first 
make  inquiry  before  entrance  is  allowed.  With  little  to  lose, 
loss  is  much  felt.  Ah !  Tamiya  Dono  in  the  Yotsuya  has  been 
sadly  neglected."  The  scolding  tones  hummed  on.  Grumbling, 
the  old  man  was  lighting  a  rush.  "  'Tis  agreed;  'tis  agreed.  To- 
morrow without  fail  this  Kyubei  visits  Tamiya.  Ah  !  It  is  no 
jest  to  go  to  that  house.  Not  only  is  the  distance  great,  but  .  .  ." 
He  had  the  door  open,  and  his  mouth  too.  "  Densuke !  Grace- 
less fellow !  But  what  are  you  doing  here,  and  at  this  hour  ? 
28 


KAWAI  SAN  OF  KANDA  KU  29 

No ;  the  luck  is  good.  There  is  a  big  bundle  with  you,  a  huge 
bundle."  He  spied  the  takuan  and  his  face  broadened  into  a 
smile.  "Ah!  If  dismissed,  it  has  been  with  honour.  Doubt- 
less the  takuan  is  for  this  Kyubei.  Thanks  are  felt.  But  is  all 
this  stuff  Densuke's  ?  He  has  not  stolen  it  ?  Doubtless  a  woman 
is  at  the  bottom  of  the  affair.  Never  mind;  an  opportunity  pre- 
sents itself  to  offer  you  as  muko — at  the  Tatsuya  in  Yokomachi. 
Of  late  a  boy  has  been  hoped  for,  but  another  girl  presented  her- 
self. A  miiko  now  will  be  welcome.  The  wife  is  getting  past 
child-bearing,  and  there  is  little  hope  of  a  son.  The  Tatsuya  girl 
is  just  the  thing.  In  a  few  months  she  will  be  fit  to  be  a  wife. 
She     .     .     .     " 

Densuke  edged  a  word  into  this  stream.  "  The  honoured  uncle 
is  right.  The  cause  of  Densuke's  appearance  is  a  woman."  The 
old  man  made  a  face.  Said  he — "  Well,  in  such  a  case  it  is  good 
to  be  out  of  it.  This  Kyubei  has  heard  talk  of  Densuke — and 
of  all  things  with  the  Ojosan!  That  would  be  terrible  indeed. 
But  how  is  the  Oni  (demon)  ?  What  a  sight  she  is!  Bald,  one- 
eyed,  hairless,  with  a  face  like  a  dish  and  no  nose — Kyubei  came 
suddenly  on  her  at  dusk  in  the  Yotsuya.  lya !  It  was  cold  feet 
and  chills  for  him  for  the  space  of  seven  days.  It  is  that  which 
keeps  Kyubei  from  Yotsuya,  although  a  little  aid  would  go  far. 
The  last  dealings  in  rice  notes  were  not  favourable.  Besides,  ac- 
count is  soon  to  be  rendered  to  Tamiya  Dono.  But  though  wicked 
of  temper  and  ugly,  O'Mino  San  is  rich.  Even  for  the  demon 
in  time  a  good  match  will  be  found.  She  will  be  the  wife  of 
an  honoured  kcuin  (vassal),  and  the  husband  will  buy  geisha 
and  joro  with  the  money.  Such  is  the  expectation  of  Tamiya 
Dono.  Don't  allow  any  trifling  there.*  Remember  that  she  is  the 
daughter  of  a  go-kenin.  They  talk  of  Densuke  in  the  Yotsuya. 
Of  course  it  is  all  talk.  Don't  allow  it  to  happen."  Densuke 
found  an  opening.  The  words  meant  one  thing ;  the  expression 
another.  "  It  is  not  going  to  happen."  Kyubei  looked  at  him 
aghast  as  he  took  in  the  meaning.     "  What !     With  the  demon  ? 


30  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Densuke  has  committed  the  carnal  sin  with  the  demon?  Oh,  you 
filthy  scoundrel !  Rash,  inconsiderate  boy  !  Obasan  !  Obasan  ! 
.  .  .  What  did  she  pay  you  for  the  deed?  .  .  .  This  low 
fellow  Densuke,  this  foolish  rascal  of  a  nephew,  has  been  caught 
in  fornication  with  the  demon.  .  .  .  What  a  fool !  How  is 
it  that  death  has  been  escaped  ?  And  you  have  run  away.  Doubt- 
less a  pregnancy  has  followed.  After  putting  his  daughter  to 
death  Tamiya  Dono  will  surely  hunt  out  Densuke.  Or  perhaps 
keep  O'Mino  San  until  he  catches  the  interloper.  Sinning  to- 
gether, both  will  die  together.  Ah !  To  cross  the  Sanzu  no  Kawa, 
to  climb  the  Shide  no  Yama,  with  the  demon  as  company  :  terrific ! 
It  is  terrific !  And  what  has  become  of  her  ?  Why  fall  into 
such  a  trap,  with  a  woman  old  and  ugly?  Her  riches  are  not 
for  you.  Caught  here,  the  tatami  of  Kyiibei  will  be  spoiled."  ^ 
Densuke  countered.  He  spoke  in  the  old  man's  ear.  "  Re- 
fusing consent,  she  threatened  to  kill  herself  and  haunt  this  Den- 
suke as  O'Bake  (apparition).  The  Ojisan  (uncle)  has  seen  the 
Ojosan.  Would  he  be  haunted  by  her,  be  seized  and  killed  with 
torture?  .  .  .  And  then — here  she  stands,  just  at  the  door." 
The  old  man  spluttered,  and  gasped,  and  went  on  his  nose  in 
abject  salutation— "  Oh,  the  fool!  .•  .  .  the  Ojosan  is  here 
in  person  ...  he  would  trifle  with  the  devil !  .  .  .  the 
low  rascal  would  seduce  the  honoured  daughter  of  Tamiya  .  .  . 
put  ten  hags  in  a  row  and  pick  out  the  worst  .  .  .  will  the 
Ojdsan  condescend  to  honour  Kyubei's  place  .  .  .  Oh  !  She's 
a  very  O'Bake  already.  Pregnancy  with  a  beautiful  woman  is 
bad  enough.  With  this  demon  it  makes  her  an  apparition  .  .  . 
condescend  to  enter;  deign  to  enter."     O'Mino  slowly  came  for- 

^  Sanzu  no  Kawa — the  river  crossed  by  the  dead;  the  Buddhist 
"Styx."  Shide  no  Yama — the  mountain  to  be  crossed  on  the  way 
to  Hell,  or  to  the  judgment  hall  of  its  great  king — Emma  Dai-6 
(Yama).  All  deserve,  and  get,  some  punishment  in  this  nether 
world. 


KAWAI  SAN  OF  KANDA  KU  31 

ward.  That  what  had  been  said  by  the  rash  and  unconscious 
Kyubei  had  escaped  her  ear  was  unHkely.  The  humiUty  of  de- 
meanor hardly  veiled  the  ofifended  dignity  of  her  approach.  "  Den- 
suke  has  spoken  truth.  We  come  as  husband  and  wife.  Con- 
descend to  give  shelter  for  the  time  being,  and  become  the  inter- 
cessor with  Tamiya  Dono!  Such  is  the  prayer  of  this  Mino." 
As  she  spoke  she  bowed  low  on  the  tatami  (mats).  Kyubei 
caught  the  hint;  for  if  she  had  heard  the  talk  of  Densuke,  she 
had  assuredly  heard  his  still  louder  ejaculations  and  ill-timed  wit. 
The  Obasan  was  in  a  rage  at  him.  Taking  the  conduct  of  affairs 
in  her  own  hand — "  Condescend  to  make  this  poor  dwelling  a 
home  for  as  long  as  desired.  Plainly  the  visitors  have  not  come 
empty  handed.  Ma  !  Ma  !  'Tis  like  an  escape  from  a  fire.  Den- 
suke is  a  strong  lad  to  shoulder  such  a  burden.  But  he  always 
has  been  something  of  an  ass.  As  for  Matazaemon  Dono,  to- 
morrow the  Ojisan  shall  attend  to  the  affair,  and  see  what  is 
to  be  expected.  Meanwhile,  deign  to  be  as  in  Samoncho  itself." 
The  kindly  old  woman  pushed  KyiJbei  and  his  clumsy  apologies 
out  of  the  way.  She  busied  herself  about  O'Mino.  The  two 
women  understood  each  other.  The  varied  contents  of  the  fiiro- 
shiki  were  quickly  stowed  away.  A  little  supper  was  prepared 
for  the  hungry  fugitives.  Kyubei  sat  by,  his  eyes  dazzled  by 
the  wealth  of  goods  displayed,  and  his  nostrils  shifting  under  the 
acrid  perfume  of  the  takuan  and  remembrance  of  his  stupidity. 

The  next  morning  Kyubei  was  up  betimes.  Matazaemon  was 
no  dawdler.  It  was  best  to  catch  him  satisfied  with  the  morning 
meal,  and  perhaps  beset  by  the  night's  regret  over  the  loss  of 
his  daughter.  In  no  way  was  it  a  pleasant  mission.  Kyubei's 
pace  became  a  crawl  as  he  approached  the  garden  gate  on  Tera- 
machi.  He  put  in  an  appearance  at  the  kitchen  side.  O'Naka 
was  here  established,  engaged  in  her  duties  and  surely  awaiting 
him.  At  sight  of  him  she  burst  into  what  was  half  laugh  and 
half  tears.  "  Ah !  It  is  Kyubei  San.  Doubtless  he  comes  on 
the  part  of  Mino  and  Densuke.     It  is  kind  of  Kyubei  to  befriend 


32  ^  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

them.  The  Danna  (master)  is  very  angry  indeed.  An  only 
daughter,  and  one  on  whom  he  depended  for  a  muko,  he  is  much 
upset.  Please  go  in  and  talk  with  him.  Show  anger  at  the  run- 
aways. To  agree  with  him  may  somewhat  soothe  his  passion. 
Condescend  so  to  act."  Kyubei  winked.  And  turn  some  of 
this  anger  on  himself  ?  Well,  agreement  might  rouse  the  spirit 
of  contradiction  in  Tamiya  Dono.  It  was  a  characteristic  of 
this  hide-bound  official.  Matazaemon  was  drinking  the  last  sips 
of  tea  from  his  rice  bowl  when  the  shoji  were  gently  pushed 
apart,  and  the  head  of  Kyubei  inserted  in  the  opening.  At  first 
he  paid  no  attention.  Then  as  one  in  haste — "  Ah  !  Is  it  Kyubei  ? 
He  comes  early  to-day — and  hardly  to  apply  for  anything.  The 
rice  notes  are  not  yet  due  for  some  weeks."  His  tone  was  grim; 
the  usual  indifferent  benevolence  of  demeanor  toward  a  towns- 
man was  conspicuously  absent.  Kyiibei  felt  chilled.  Densuke 
must  not  sacrifice  his  good  uncle  to  his  own  folly. 

Said  Kyiibei — "Yet  it  is  to  seek  the  honoured  benevolence  of 
Tamiya  Dono  that  Kyiibei  comes."  Matazaemon  turned  sharp 
around  toward  him.  Frightened,  the  townsman  continued — "  Den- 
suke has  acted  very  wickedly.  The  low,  lascivious  rascal  has 
dared  to  seduce  the  honoured  daughter  of  the  House.  Both 
are  now  harboured  at  the  house  of  this  Kyubei,  who  now  makes 
report.  Their  lives  are  in  the  hand  of  Tamiya  Dono.  But  Kyubei 
would  make  earnest  plea  for  delay.  O'Mino  San  being  preg- 
nant, the  child  would  be  sent  from  darkness  to  darkness — a 
terrible  fate.  May  it  be  condescended  to  show  the  honoured 
mercy  and  benevolence.  Evil  and  unfilial  though  the  action  of 
the  two  has  been,  yet  'benevolence  weighs  the  offence;  justice 
possesses  two  qualities.'  Such  are  the  words  of  Koshi  (Confu- 
cius)." The  eyes  of  Matazaemon  twinkled.  He  had  heard  that 
Kyiibei  was  on  the  verge  of  shaving  his  head  (turning  priest). 
Truly  the  townsman  was  profitting  by  the  exhortations  of  his 
teacher.  After  a  time  he  said — "  The  memory  of  Kyiibei  is  ex- 
cellent.    Don't  let  it  fail  him  on  the  present  occasion.     For  such 


KAWAI  SAN  OF  KANDA  KU  3^ 

a  deed  as  has  been  committed  the  punishment  is  death,  meted  out 
by  the  hand  of  this  Matazaemon.  The  fact  ascertained,  it  was 
intended  to  kill  them  both.  The  flight  of  Mino  and  Densuke 
has  altered  the  complexion  of  the  affair.  It  is  no  longer  neces- 
sary to  inflict  the  extreme  penalty.  O'Mino  is  disowned  for 
seven  births.  Neither  she  nor  Densuke  is  to  appear  before  this 
Matazaemon.  If  the  talk  of  the  ward  be  true,  in  exchange  for 
a  loyal  service  Densuke  has  secured  a  beautiful  bride.  There 
can  be  no  regrets."  Then,  taking  a  sprightly  and  jeering  air, 
"  But  this  Kyubei  has  been  the  one  to  exercise  benevolence. 
Matazaemon  now  learns  that  the  two  runaways  have  been  re- 
ceived by  him.  Entertain  them  well ;  entertain  them  well.  Thanks 
are  due  to  Kyubei  San — from  them.  Doubtless  he  is  much  occu- 
pied with  his  guests.  Less  will  be  seen  of  him  in  Yotsuya.  .  .  . 
But  official  duties  press.  This  Matazaemon  must  leave.  Don't 
be  in  haste.  Stay  and  take  some  tea.  .  .  .  Naka !  Naka ! 
Tea  for  Kyubei  San;  the  haori  (cloak)  of  Matazaemon  .  .  . 
Sayonara  .  .  .  Ah !  The  rice  notes  this  Matazaemon  took 
up  for  Kyubei  San,  they  fall  due  with  the  passage  of  the  weeks. 
But  Kyubei  is  one  who  always  meets  his  obligations.  As  to  that 
there  is  no  anxiety."  With  this  last  fling  the  prostrate  Kyiabei 
heard  the  sound  of  the  clogs  of  Matazaemon  on  the  flagged  walk 
outside.  A  departing  warning  to  O'Naka  as  to  the  tea,  and  steps 
were  heard  near-by.  He  raised  his  head,  to  confront  the  mistress 
of  the  house. 

O'Naka  spoke  with  tears  in  her  eyes — a  salve  to  the  alarmed 
and  wounded  feelings  of  Kyubei.  "  Don't  be  frightened.  After 
all  Matazaemon  is  a  samurai.  To  press  Kyubei,  or  any  trades- 
man, is  beyond  him.  But  this  Naka  cannot  see  her  daughter! 
To  add  to  his  anger  would  bring  disaster  on  her  and  the  unborn 
child.  Alas!  Anyhow,  give  Mino  this  money;  and  these  articles 
of  value,  properly  her  own.  Her  mirror  has  been  forgotten  in 
the  hasty  flight."  O'Naka  brought  forth  one  of  those  elaborate 
polished  silver  surfaces,  used  by  the  ladies  of  Nippon  in  these 


34  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

later  luxurious  days  of  the  Shogunate.  It  was  only  now  that  it 
became  the  property  of  O'Mino.  It  was  part  of  the  wedding 
outfit  of  O'Naka  herself.  With  this  little  fiction  the  mother 
continued — "  When  the  child  is  born  allow  the  grandmother  at 
least  a  distant  sight  of  it.  Perhaps  it  will  resemble  Tamiya ;  be 
like  its  mother,  and  soften  a  father's  heart."  Now  she 
wept  bitterly ;  and  Kyubei  wept  with  her — ^bitterly.  "  Like 
the  mother!  The  Buddhas  of  Daienji  ^  would  indeed  weep 
at  the  appearance  of  such  a  monster."  This  was  his  thought; 
not  expressed  with  the  humble  gratitude,  prostration,  and  prom- 
ises which  he  fully  intended  to  keep.  Kyubei  reverentially 
accepted  the  mirror,  the  goods,  the  money.  Taking  his  leave  of 
Yotsuya — a  long  one  he  feared — with  sighs  he  set  out  for  Kanda. 
Here  he  made  his  report.  Said  the  old  townsman  with  severity — 
"  The  will  of  the  parent  is  not  to  be  disobeyed.  It  is  the  duty 
of  this  Kyubei  to  see  to  its  performance."  He  had  O'Naka  more 
in  mind  than  the  master  of  Tamiya.  O'Mino  might  yet  be  the 
goose  to  lay  golden  eggs.  A  goose  of  such  plumage !  Kyubei 
made  a  wry  face  in  the  darkness  of  the  corridor. 

^  Near    Meguro:    scores    of    quaint    figures,    seated    in    tiers    and 
meditation. 


CHAPTER  III 

TAKAHASHI    DAIHACHIRO 

Some  means  of  support  had  to  be  found.  Employed  in  a 
kenin's  house,  and  leaving  it  under  such  conditions,  kindred 
occupation  was  out  of  the  question.  There  was  a  sort  of  black 
list  among  these  officials  to  cover  all  grades  of  their  service. 
Time  and  the  host  of  servants  of  some  great  House  would  get  the 
lad  back  into  the  only  occupation  he  understood.  Trusting  to 
some  such  accident  of  fortune,  Kyubei  made  Densuke  his  agent 
on  commission.  Densuke  was  no  idler.  Kyubei  managed  to  meet 
the  Tamiya  security  for  his  loans,  largely  through  the  efforts  of 
the  younger  man.  The  married  couple  at  this  time  set  up  their 
establishment  in  Gorobeicho  of  Kyobashi  Ku.  Coming  and 
going,  often  with  no  definite  task  in  hand,  Densuke  to  all  appear- 
ance was  an  out-and-out  idler.  For  the  first  time  released  from 
the  trammels  of  her  class,  O'Mino  could  attend  the  theatres  and 
farce  shows  of  the  capital.  She  delighted  in  acting  this  part 
of  a  tradesman's  wife.  Moreover  she  was  very  sure  of  not  meet- 
ing with  Matazaemon,  of  whom  she  was  in  great  fear.  Bound 
to  the  formulm  of  his  class,  her  father  might  feel  bound  to  cut 
her  down  on  sight. 

One  day  Densuke  was  idling  and  hanging  over  the  parapet 
of  the  Nihonbashi.  Some  fishermen  were  violently  quarrelling 
in  the  fish  market  on  the  bank  just  below  the  bridge.  As  he  looked 
on  with  interest  a  hand  was  laid  on  his  shoulder.  Turning,  he 
saw  a  man,  partly  in  the  dress  of  a  chfigen,  partly  in  that  of  a 
menial  attendant  of  one  of  the  larger  yashiki  (nobleman's  man- 
sion). Scars  of  burns  on  his  hands  and  arms,  patches  of  rice  flour 
and  bran,  showed  that  he  was  a  cook.  His  eye  was  severe  and 
his  manner  abrupt  as  he  rebuked  Densuke.  "  An  idle  fellow ! 
This  Tarobei  never  fails  to  come  across  Densuke  as  an  idler, 

35 


36  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

or  on  the  way  to  Asakusa  with  the  worthy  wife.  Is  he  fit  for 
nothing  ?"  Densuke  was  a  mild  man.  To  this  man  with  a  grievance 
his  answer  was  soft.  Besides  he  had  no  hking  for  the  cook's 
knife  stuck  in  the  girdle,  and  handy  to  carve  fish  or  flesh.  He 
said — "  Perchance  the  idleness  is  more  in  appearance  than  fact. 
Buying  and  selling  on  commission  the  task  is  an  irregular  one. 
It  is  true,  however,  that  this  Densuke  has  no  settled  labour.  Alas ! 
Former  days  in  the  service  of  a  samurai  are  much  to  be  regretted." 
— "Can  you  cook  rice?"  was  the  abrupt  interruption.  "This 
Densuke  knows  the  "  Sanryaku  "  fairly  well.  Is  more  needed?  " 
The  man  looked  at  him  dumbfounded.  "  The  '  Sanryaku  ' — 
what's  that  ?  " — "  Knowledge  of  the  '  Sanryaku  '  enables  one  to 
meet  all  the  requirements  of  a  bushi  (knight).^  At  the  school 
in  Kazusa  Togane  the  priest  who  tai  .^ht  this  Densuke,  at  one 
time  a  samurai,  was  far  more  taken  with  the  "  Sanryaku  "  than 
with  the  Sutra  (Scripture)  ;  the  lessons  taught  applied  more  to 
Bushido  (the  knight's  way)  than  to  Butsudo  (the  way  of  the 
Buddha).  .  .  .  But  to  the  point ;  this  Densuke  for  three  years 
cooked  the  rice  at  Tamiya  in  Yotsuya.  First  there  is  the  toro-toro 
of  bubbling  water ;  then  the  hiri-hiri,  as  what  little  remains  passes 
as  steam  through  the  rice  grains.  Then  the  sharp  whistling  cry 
of  a  baby  from  the  pot  on  the  slow  fire  (niurashite) .  The  task  is 
done,  and  the  vessel  is  removed  from  the  stove.  "  The  man  looked 
with  respect  on  this  learned  cook.  Said  he — "  Densuke  is  the 
man.  Tarobei  must  leave  the  kitchen  of  Geishu  Sama  at  once. 
The  mother  is  ill  in  Aki  province.  A  substitute  is  to  be  found. 
The  salary — is  next  to  nothing ;  but  the  perquisites  are  numerous, 
and  the  food  ample  to  feed  several  Densuke  and  their  wives. 
Deign  to  accept."  Densuke  did  not  hesitate — "  The  obligation 
lies  with  Densuke.  But  how  secure  the  position  ?  There  is 
Tamiya     .     .     ."     The  man  laughed.     "  There  are  many  Den- 

'  A  famous  Chinese  book  on  military  tactics.  Prince  Yoshitsune, 
hero  of  the  Gempei  wars,  served  arduously  for  a  glimpse  of  it.  Cf: 
Life  of  Benkei,  vol.  i,  pp.  311  reg.  Densuke  refers  to  the  three  (sail) 
stages  of  rice  cooking. 


TAKAHASHI  DAIHACHIRO  37 

suke  in  Edo ;  and  no  connection  between  the  yashiki  of  Matsu- 
daira  Aki  no  Kami  and  the  house  of  a  doshin  in  Yotsuya.  There 
is  small  likelihood  of  meeting  old  acquaintances.  Be  sure  to 
remember  that  it  is  Densuke  of  Kyobashi ;  not  Densuke  of  Yot- 
suya. This  pass  will  answer  to  the  gate-man.  Substitutes  are 
common.  Whether  it  be  Densuke  or  Tarobei  w^ho  cooks  the  rice 
makes  no  difference ;  provided  the  rice  be  well  cooked.  Tarobei's 
service  lies  elsewhere ;  to  Densuke  San  deep  his  obligation."  He 
held  out  the  pass,  and  Densuke  took  it. 

With  mutual  salutation  and  joy  in  heart  they  parted.  Den- 
suke betook  himself  to  the  yashiki  of  Matsudaira  Aki  no  Kami  at 
Kasumigaseki.  No  difficulties  were  encountered.  Tarobei  was 
not  so  superlative  as  a  cook  that  the  substitute  could  not  be  better 
than  the  original.  At  this  place  Densuke  acted  the  part  of  the 
koniatsukibatta.  This  is  a  narrow  brown  weevil,  some  three  parts 
of  an  inch  in  length,  and  which  stands  on  its  head  making  the 
repeated  movements  of  o' jigi,  much  as  at  a  ceremonial  encounter 
in  Nippon.  Densuke  was  not  long  in  becoming  well  liked.  He 
was  ready  to  run  errands  for  all,  outside  of  the  hours  of  his  duties. 
From  those  higher  up  in  the  yashiki  these  errands  brought  him 
coin.  Every  month  he  could  bring  O'Mino  twenty  to  thirty 
nion  in  "  cash  " ;  apart  from  the  ample  rations  of  rice  and  daikon 
bestowed  on  the  kitchen  staff.  Nay :  as  cook  at  times  fish  could 
not  be  allowed  to  spoil,  and  fell  to  the  perquisites  of  Densuke. 
Thus  time  passed;  and  with  it  the  delivery  of  O'Mino,  and  the 
crisis  in  the  affairs  of  Densuke,  approached.  Now  Geishu  Sama  - 
was  a  fourth  month  daimyo.  Hence  with  the  iris  blossoms  he 
took  his  departure  from  Edo  to  the  government  of  his  fief  in 
Aki  province.  The  Sakuji  Machibugyd,  one  Takahashi  Dai- 
hachiro,  plead  illness  on  this  occasion  of  the  exodus.  As  unable 
to  accompany  his  lord  he  remained  in  Edo.     On  plea  of  con- 

'  Geishu-Aki  province.  For  six  months  the  daimyo  left  Edo  to 
govern  their  fief  in  person.  Their  wives  and  families  remained  in 
Edo.  The  penalties  at  the  barriers  (Hakone,  for  instance)  were  severe 
if  the  wife  tried  to  get  away  (escape)  from  Edo. 


38  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

venience  he  established  himself  in  the  abandoned  quarters  of  the 
ashigaru  or  common  soldiers,  situated  right  over  Densuke's  cook- 
ing stoves.  Entirely  removed  from  the  bustle  of  the  household, 
except  during  Densuke's  now  rare  attendance,  he  secured  com- 
plete isolation  and  quiet.  Densuke  went  on  cooking  for  Taka- 
hashi  Sama,  just  as  if  it  had  been  for  the  whole  military  house- 
hold. Daihachiro  was  a  forbidding  kind  of  man ;  and  it  was  with 
no  amiable  look  that  he  greeted  Densuke  when  the  latter  appeared 
very  late  to  prepare  the  meal.  It  being  the  5th  month  5th  day 
(the  sekku)  of  Tenwa  3rd  year  (30th  May,  1683),  perhaps  he 
suspected  Densuke  of  preparation  for,  and  participation  in,  the 
great  festival  which  was  in  progress.  "  Densuke  is  very  late.  This 
Daihachiro  has  made  the  trial ;  to  find  out  that  he  is  no  cook. 
Indeed  the  right  hand  has  been  severely  burnt.  A  cook  should  be 
on  time — for  the  meal,  not  the  matsuri."  Densuke  was  all  apology 
— "  Nay,  Danna  Sama;  it  is  not  the  festival  which  has  detained 
Densuke.  An  infant  was  expected  to-day  by  the  wife.  Hence 
Densuke's  neglect.  Deign  to  pardon  him." — "  A  baby  being  born 
is  no  reason  why  Daihachiro  should  starve.  Prepare  the  meal 
in  haste.  The  rice  is  to  be  soft ;  and  please  see  that  the  fish  also 
is  soft.  Make  the  sauce  not  too  sharp.  It  would  give  great 
trouble  to  make  the  bath  in  the  quarters.  In  Owarimachi,  or 
Kubomachi,  good  bath-houses  are  to  be  found."  Densuke  took  the 
hint.  At  once  he  recommended  one  he  thought  befitting  the  great 
man's  greatness.  "  Well :  Sayonara.  See  that  the  meal  is  ready  by 
the  return."  Ofif  stalked  Takahashi  Daihachiro,  towel  dangling 
from  his  hand,  and  toothbrush  and  bran  bag  in  his  bosom. 

Densuke  gave  a  sigh  of  reljef  as  he  left  the  court.  Daihachiro 
often  employed  him  on  missions,  and  was  never  particularly  gener- 
ous even  when  the  transaction  was  decidedly  shady.  Densuke 
was  dreadfully  afraid  of  him.  Somehow  he  felt  as  if  Daihachiro 
was  Fate — his  fate.  Turning  to  his  stoves,  the  pots  and  the  pans, 
the  meal  soon  was  in  successful  preparation.  As  Densuke  lifted 
the  cover  to  inspect  the  rice — splash !  A  great  red  spot  spread  in 
widening  circle  over  the  white  mass.     In  fright  Densuke  clapped 


TAKAHASHI  DAIHACHIRO  39 

on  the  lid  of  the  pot.  He  looked  upward,  to  locate  this  unusual 
condiment  to  his  provision.  On  his  forehead  he  received  in 
person  a  second  consignment.  Applying  his  finger  to  his  head, 
and  then  to  his  nose — "  Blood !  Ah !  O'Take's  fierce  cat  has 
caught  a  rat  and  is  chewing  it  in  the  room  above.  How  vexatious ! 
If  the  Danna  should  find  out  .  .  ."  Hastily  he  tried  to  shove 
his  equipment  to  one  side.  This  would  not  do.  The  massive  stone 
blocks  forming  the  furnace  were  too  heavy  for  Densuke  to  move 
unaided.  Somewhat  helpless  he  looked  around.  The  rice  was 
almost  done;  ready  for  the  process  of  murashite,  or  simmering 
over  the  slow  fire.  The  fish,  carefully  prepared,  as  yet  was  to  be 
cooked.  All  was  to  be  ready  against  the  return  of  Daihachiro 
Sama.  Ah  !  Again  the  dropping  began.  As  finding  some  channel 
in  the  rough  boarding  of  the  ceiling  it  came  fast.  His  kitchen 
began  to  look  like  the  place  where  the  Eta  (outcasts)  slaughter 
beasts.     Densuke  shuddered. 

Circumstances,  the  results  involved,  make  the  timid  brave. 
Grasping  a  pole  Densuke  started  up  the  ladder  leading  to  the  loft 
and  the  quarters  of  the  ashigaru.  Arrived  at  the  top  his  eyes  took 
in  the  poor  apartment.  The  rafters  and  beams  of  a  low-cast  roof ; 
six  wretched  (Loo-choo)  mats  on  the  floor,  for  the  men  to  sit, 
and  sleep,  and  live  upon ;  such  its  bare  equipment.  In  the  middle 
of  the  mats  was  a  great  red  stain.  Densuke  was  at  once  attracted 
to  it.  "  A  cat  would  eat  a  rat ;  but  it  would  not  wipe  up  the 
blood."  His  eyes  were  caught  by  the  straw  basket  used  to  store 
away  the  raincoats.  This  was  all  stained  red  at  the  bottom.  Going 
close  up  he  found  it  was  wet.  Perhaps  the  cat  was  at  work 
inside.  Densuke  raised  the  cover  and  looked  in.  In  alarm  he 
sprang  back.  On  the  trunk  and  limbs  of  a  body  was  placed  a 
freshly  severed  head.  Without  replacing  the  cover,  with  pole 
uplifted  over  his  head  in  defence,  Densuke  backed  toward  the 
ladder.  His  one  idea  was  to  flee  this  yashiki.  As  he  reached  the 
top  of  the  steps  the  voice  of  Daihachiro  was  heard  below — "  A 
pest  on  such  filthy  bath-houses ;  and  filthier  patrons.  .  .  . 
What!     No  rice  yet,  Densuke?     Ah!    Where  is  the  fellow?" 


40  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Densuke  looked  down,  to  meet  the  altered  countenance  of  Dai- 
hachird  looking  up.  He  retreated  as  the  latter  sprang  up  the 
ladder.  Daihachiro  gave  a  rapid  glance.  He  saw  the  raised  cover 
of  the  basket.  The  next  moment  the  bosom  of  Densuke's  dress 
was  harshly  grasped,  and  he  himself  was  forced  down  on  the 
floor.  Gloomily  Daihachiro  regarded  him — "  Rash  and  curious 
fellow  !  Why  not  keep  to  your  pots  and  pans  ?  Densuke  loses  his 
life;  and  Daihachiro  a  fool  for  a  cook."  He  had  drawn  his 
sword  to  strike.  Densuke  clung  to  his  knees  in  petition — "  Par- 
don, master !  Pardon  !  This  Densuke  is  no  idle  gossip.  The  drip- 
ping blood  threatened  to  spoil  the  meal.  Thinking  the  cat  was 
eating  a  rat,  fearing  the  anger  of  the  Danna  Sama  if  the  meal  had 
to  be  re-cooked,  Densuke  came  up  here  to  chase  the  animal  away. 
Thus  the  crime  was  discovered  .  .  ." — "Crime!"  thundered 
Daihachiro.  "  Ah !  This  intermeddler  must  certainly  die.  By 
the  word  of  a  samurai  .  .  ."  In  his  terror  Densuke  almost 
put  his  hand  over  the  irrevocable  sentence.  He  spoke  with  life 
at  stake.  "  Deign,  master,  to  pardon  Densuke.  He  has  committed 
no  offence ;  knows  of  no  offence  in  others.  Densuke  has  seen 
nothing.  Life  is  a  jewel,  to  be  kept  at  any  cost.  Densuke  is  far 
too  insignificant  to  deserve  the  anger  of  Takahashi  Sama."  He 
grovelled  in  the  abject  terror  of  his  petition. 

Takahashi  Daihachiro  hesitated.  An  idea  seemed  to  occur  to 
him,  at  sight  of  the  man's  fear-struck  state.  He  smiled  grimly. 
"  Densuke  saw  the  head?  " — "  'Tis  so,"  admitted  Densuke.  "  But 
to  see  a  head  means  nothing."  Daihachiro  dragged  him  over  to 
the  raincoat  basket.  Holding  him  down,  he  grasped  the  head 
by  the  cue  and  lifted  it  out.  "  Look !  "  Densuke  gave  a  cry  of 
surprise  at  sight  of  the  features  of  a  once  neighbour.  "  It  is  the 
head  of  Iseya  Jusuke,  the  money  lender  of  Hachobori ;  a  hard  man. 
Surely  the  Danna  .  .  ." — "  Just  so,"  replied  Daihachiro,  care- 
lessly throwing  the  mortuary  relic  back  into  the  basket.  "  Borrow- 
ing five  ryo,  in  six  months  with  the  interest  the  sum  now  due  is 
twenty-five  ryo.  Pleading  illness  Daihachiro  remained  in  Edo,  to 
try  and  soften  the  usurer.  He  threatened  a  report  to  my  lord; 
grew  insolent  beyond  measure.     The  sword  drawn,  he  was  killed 


TAKAHASHI  DAIHACHIRO  41 

forthwith.  .  .  .  Here  Densuke  finds  his  use  and  saves  his  Hfe. 
This  body  is  an  awkward  impediment.  Densuke  must  take  and 
cast  it  away.  Otherwise,  a  second  head  is  added  to  this  first. 
With  one  already  to  dispose  of  a  second  gives  no  difficuhy.  De- 
cide: is  it  agreed?  Moreover  there  will  be  payment."  He  took 
out  a  money  belt  (domaki),  that  of  Jusuke.  Densuke  recognized 
i't.  Daihachiro  had  robbed  Jusuke,  after  killing  him.  Lovingly 
he  ran  the  golden  ryo  through  his  fingers.  Seventy  of 
them  Densuke  counted.  Daihachiro  picked  out  three  ryo. 
"  Here  is  payment.  Life  is  spared,  and  it  is  agreed  to 
cast  away  the  body."  Stammered  Densuke — ''  On  the  rub- 
bish heap?"  Daihachird  looked  at  him — "You  fool!  Why 
not  proclaim  that  Densuke  murdered  Jusuke?  Once  the  gate  is 
passed — and  this  Daihachiro  goes  in  company  so  far — it  is  Den- 
suke who  is  the  murderer  of  Jusuke.  Remain  in  this  place  until 
night.  Then  off  with  the  body;  pitch  it  into  the  ditch  of  Kuroda 
Ke,  or  that  of  Saio  Dono.  Daihachiro  now  takes  his  meal.  There 
is  nothing  wrong  with  it?"  He  looked  meaningly  at  Densuke. 
The  latter,  with  eyes  on  the  shining  sword,  at  once  denied  all 
defilement.  He  now  plumed  himself  on  the  care  taken  of  the 
Danna's  interests.  Daihachiro  descended ;  to  feed  at  ease  and  keep 
watch  over  the  unwilling  Densuke. 

In  the  5th  month  (June)  the  days  are  long.  Densuke  was  a 
coward ;  and  for  company  had  the  corpse  of  the  murdered  Jusuke. 
To  the  poor  cook  the  time  passed  was  torture.  He  was  continually 
going  to  the  stair  and  calling  down — "  Danna  Sama,  has  the  time 
come  ?  .  .  .  Ah  !  The  sky  is  light.  The  streets  at  night  will 
be  full  of  people  with  lanterns.  Plainly  O'Tento  Sama  (the  Sun) 
has  forgotten  to  decline  in  the  West.  Alas !  This  Densuke  is 
most  unlucky."  At  last  the  hour  of  the  dog  was  passing  (7-9 
P.M.).  Daihachird  appeared.  "Now  for  the  corpse!  Wrap  it 
up  in  this  matting.  .  .  .  Coward !  Is  Densuke  afraid  of  a 
dead  man?  "  He  took  the  body  and  cut  the  tendons  of  arms  and 
legs.  Then  he  placed  the  head  on  the  belly.  Doubling  the  limbs 
over  the  body  so  as  to  hold  the  head  he  wrapped  the  matting 
around  the  whole.     The  outside  he  covered  with  some  red  rain- 


42  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

coats — "  in  case  of  accidental  stains."  Then  he  strongly  roped 
the  whole  together.  He  stood  back  to  inspect  a  truly  admirable 
job.  Densuke  wondered  how  many  usurers  Daihachiro  had  thus 
disposed  of.  His  speculations  were  interrupted.  Everything  was 
ready.  "  Now  !  the  loan  of  Densuke's  back."  Groaned  Densuke — 
"  Danna  Sama,  a  request." — "What?"  asked  Daihachiro. 
"  Condescend  to  put  a  board  between  the  body  of  Densuke  and  that 
of  Jusuke.  The  head  might  seize  and  bite  me  with  its  teeth." 
Daihachird  snorted  with  laughter,  contempt,  and  anger  mixed. 
"  What  a  cowardly  rascal  you  are !  Off  with  it  as  it  is."  Said 
Densuke  respectfully  and  firmly — "  The  task  is  that  of  Densuke. 
Condescend  so  far  to  favour  him."  His  obvious  terror  threatened 
collapse  even  of  the  influence  of  Daihachiro.  An  old  remnant  of 
the  back  of  a  corselet  was  at  hand.  Said  Daihachiro — "  This  is 
still  better.  It  is  metal.  In  it  goes.  Now  off  with  you."  Stalk- 
ing along  in  the  rear  of  the  unfortunate  cook,  Daihachiro  kept 
within  easy  distance  of  a  sword  blow.  At  the  gate  he  said — 
"  Pray  grant  passage.  Densuke  takes  washing  of  this  Daihachiro 
— bed  quilts  and  futon  to  be  renovated." — "  Respectfully  heard 
and  understood."  The  gate-man  let  fall  the  bar  and  stood  aside. 
Densuke  passed  into  the  street.  A  little  way  off  he  looked  around. 
Takahashi  Daihachiro  had  disappeared.  Now  indeed  it  was  an 
affair  between  Densuke  and  Jusuke.^ 

'  The  Japanese  personal  pronoun  is  used — in  the  first  person  only 
to  obviate  ambiguity  in  the  sentence.  Women  use  it  more  frequently 
than  men.  In  the  second  person  it  is  used  to  express  emphasis,  great 
familiarity,  impertinence,  or  rebuke.  The  last  two  uses  are  frequent. 
Ordinarily  the  honorifics  and  the  construction  of  the  sentence  take  the 
place  of  these  pronouns.  Such  at  least  seems  to  be  the  usage  of  the 
kodaii  writers,  and  in  the  present  book  the  example  has  been  followed, 
as  far  as  possible.  In  a  few  instances  the  use  of  a  pronoun  will  relieve 
the  strain  of  a  lengthy  sentence  or  involved  circumlocution  in  the  west- 
ern tongue.  At  times  the  clo.ser  style  can  be  abandoned — as  in  the 
direct  narration  of  the  Tale  of  the  Baryufu  Kwannon.  So  also  with 
the  translations  of  the  gidayu  and  the  kodan  attached.  These  are  for 
recitation.  In  the  original  the  pronoun  is  rarely  written  in.  But  the 
literal  translation  of  the  honorifics  would  appear  stilted.  To  westerners 
these  are  appellations;  to  the  native  they  are  indications. 


CHAPTER  IV 

THE  APPEARANCE  OF  O'lWA  SAN 

Shouldering  his  pack  Densuke  made  off  down  the  broad 
space  Hned  by  the  white  walls  of  the  yashiki.  In  this  quarter  of 
the  biisJii  the  highway  was  not  crowded  with  citizens  and  their  lan- 
terns. Densuke  had  high  hopes  of  an  early  disposition  of  the 
incubus.  He  approached  the  ditch  which  protected  the  wall  of 
the  yashiki  of  Prince  Kuroda.  When  about  to  put  down  the  bundle 
a  hail  reached  him  from  the  samurai  on  guard  at  the  Kuroda 
gate.  "  Heigh  there,  rascal !  Wait !  "  But  Densuke  did  not  wait. 
In  terror  he  gave  the  load  a  shift  on  his  shoulder  and  started  off 
almost  at  a  run.  On  doing  so  there  was  a  movement  within.  The 
cold  sweat  stood  out  on  the  unhappy  man's  forehead.  A  moment, 
and  would  the  teeth  of  Jusuke  be  fastened  in  his  shoulder?  "  Ah  ! 
Jusuke  San  !  Good  neighbour !  This  Densuke  is  but  the  w^retched 
agent.  'Tis  Daihachiro  Sama  who  killed  Jusuke.  Deign  to  pur- 
sue and  haunt  Takahashi  Sama.  Jusuke  San !  Jusuke  San !  " 
Fright  gave  him  strength  and  boldness.  The  Tora  no  Mon  (Tiger 
gate)  of  the  castle  should  be  the  place  of  disposal.  Here  the  ditch 
was  deep  and  dark.  But  to  its  very  edge  swarmed  the  people 
with  their  lanterns  on  this  night  of  festival  in  early  summer.  The 
moor  of  Kubomachi  was  his  next  goal.  AX  this  period  it  really 
was  open  ground.  With  a  sigh  of  relief  Densuke  let  the  bundle 
slip  from  his  now  weary  shoulders.  Alive  he  would  have  laughed 
at  the  idea  of  carrying  the  portly  Jusuke.  Yet  here  the  usurer 
bestrode  him,  far  heavier  weight  than  on  other  unfortunate 
clients.  "  Let's  have  a  look  at  him ;  address  him  face  to  face."  His 
hand  was  on  the  knot,  when  a  woman's  voice  spoke  in  his  ear. 
Densuke  did  not  wait  to  ascertain  the  nature  of  her  solicitation. 
He  sped  away  into  the  darkness,  toward  the  distant  city.     With- 

43 


44  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

out  goal,  he  found  himself  at  Shiodome.^  Crossing  the  Shim- 
bashi  he  entered  on  the  crowded  and  lighted  Owaricho.  It  was 
only  the  hour  of  the  pig  (9  p.m.),  and  the  house  lanterns  as  yet 
burned  brightly.  He  hesitated,  with  the  idea  of  turning  toward 
Shiba,  of  trying  his  luck  in  this  still  rustic  district;  or  on  the 
seashore,  not  far  off. 

A  man  close  by  greeted  him.  "  lya !  Densuke  San  at  last  is 
found.  The  honoured  wife  suffers  great  anxiety.  Thinking 
that  the  festival  might  be  the  attraction  this  Goemon  set  out  to  find 
you.  Deign  to  hasten  at  once  to  Gorobeicho."  Densuke  shifted 
his  burden  away  from  the  man.  Did  it  not  already  somewhat 
taint  the  air?  His  nostrils  were  wide  open  in  alarmed  inquiry. 
He  made  excuses.  With  his  heavy  pack  he  would  follow  after 
slowly.  He  was  overwhelmed  by  his  neighbour's  kindness.  Goe- 
mon offered  to  share  the  work.  Densuke  did  more  than  refuse. 
Unable  to  shake  off  his  companion  in  stolid  desperation  he  took 
his  way  to  his  home  in  the  tenement  (nagaya).  "  Tadaima  "  (just 
now — present),  he  called  from  the  doorway.  Entering  the  shabby 
room  he  put  down  the  furoshiki  in  a  distant  corner.  Going  to 
the  Butsudan,  or  house  altar,  at  once  he  lit  the  lamps.  O'Mino 
eyed  him  with  astonishment.  "  What's  that?"  she  asked,  point- 
ing to  the  bundle — "  Washing  of  Daihachiro  Sama  " — "  But  Mino 
is  ill.  So  situated  she  cannot  do  washing.  How  negligent !  " — 
"  It  makes  no  matter,"  replied  Densuke  recklessly.  O'Mino  did 
not  like  the  tone  of  his  voice.  She  eyed  him  sharply.  Then  more 
pressing  matters  urged.  "  Weary  as  you  are  it  is  to  be  regretted; 
but  money  must  be  in  hand,  for  the  midwife  and  other  expenses. 
A  few  hours,  and  this  Mino  will  be  unable  to  leave  her  bed — for 
three  turns  (weeks).  There  is  cooking  and  washing  to  be  done. 
Please  go  to  Kyubei  San  and  ask  the  loan  of  a  ryo.  Perhaps  he 
will  give  half." — "  He  will  give  nothing,"  was  the  surly  reply 
of  Densuke.     "  Of  loans  he  has  grown  tired  of  late.     As  the 

iThe  old  Shimbashi  station  and  its  yards  cover  this  site.  "Tide 
limit  " — a   suggestive   name. 


THE  APPEARANCE  OF  O'lWA  SAN  45 

uncle  is  the  only  stay  in  dire  necessity  care  must  be  taken  not  to 
offend.  Moreover,  the  loan  is  unnecessary.  Here  are  three  ryo." 
He  brought  out  the  shining  oblong  pieces.  O'Mino's  eyes  were 
bright  with  terror.  "Ah!  Has  Densuke  turned  thief?  How 
was  this  money  secured?  What  has  happened?  Why  so  late  in 
returning?  "  But  Densuke  was  made  confident  and  ready  of 
tongue  by  the  physical  helplessness  of  O'Mino.  "  Don't  be 
alarmed.  Densuke  is  neither  thief  nor  murderer.  He  is  no 
Shirai  Gompachi.  Perhaps  there  is  a  corpse  within,  not  washing. 
Would  the  Ojosan  see  a  head,  arms,  legs,  freshly  severed?  "  He 
laughed  harshly  as  she  turned  her  head  from  him  to  the  bundle, 
then  back  again.  "  This  money  was  given  to  Densuke  by  Taka- 
hashi  Sama ;  in  return  for  faithful  service  in  an  important  matter. 
Don't  be  frightened.  It  has  been  honestly  earned."  Said  O'Mino, 
almost  to  herself — "  But  Daihachird  Sama  is  not  one  to  give  such 
a  sum  as  three  ryo.  He  is  always  in  debt.  The  wife  of  Jusuke 
San  complains  of  his  delays  with  her  husband.  However  .  .  ." 
Confidence  restored,  she  bade  Densuke  put  the  money  in  the 
drawer  of  the  toilet  stand.  Then  he  was  to  prepare  some  food; 
for  themselves,  and  for  the  neighbours  ready  to  assist  at  the 
expected  birth. 

Densuke  did  so,  his  eyes  shifting  from  O'Mino  to  the  stove, 
from  the  stove  to  the  deadly  bundle.  Finally  he  removed  the 
furoshiki  to  their  outer  room,  mumbling  some  excuse  as  to  the  foul- 
ness of  a  buck-basket.  He  returned  to  his  cooking.  Barely  tast- 
ing some  food  O'Mino  soon  was  sound  asleep.  Densuke  observed 
her.  "  Ugly,  rich,  a  very  o'hake  in  appearance  is  the  Ojosan ;  and 
yet  she  takes  as  husband  a  spiritless  creature,  such  as  is  this 
Densuke.  Is  it  good  or  bad  fortune  ?  How  grateful  would  be  her 
advice."  He  went  to  bed  himself  in  the  outer  room ;  to  spend 
a  hideous  night  of  nightmare  in  company  with  the  dead  Jusuke, 
who  now  did  taint  the  air  with  that  indefinable  pollution  of  even 
the  freshest  corpse.  Wild  visions  floated  through  the  brain  of 
Densuke.    The  neighbours  would  assemble.    The  food  was  ready. 


46  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Ah!  Here  comes  the  wife  of  Jusuke  San.  She  demands  her  hus- 
band. A  moment,  and  Densuke  was  stealing  from  the  house  en- 
trance into  the  darkness.  The  river?  Ah!  That  was  it.  The 
canal  of  Hachobori  was  close  at  hand  to  Jusuke's  own  home. 
It  would  float  him  to  his  very  door.  Densuke  soon  saw  himself  at 
the  river  bank.  No  one  was  at  hand.  Splash !  In  went  the  foul 
burden.  There  it  was  again.  .  But  now  it  was  Jusuke  in  person. 
"  Jusuke  San  !  Jusuke  San  !  Pardon  !  'Twas  not  this  Densuke 
who  killed  you.  Seek  vengeance  of  Daihachiro  Sama.  He  is  the 
murderer."  In  his  terror  he  lost  all  fear  of  being  heard.  He 
shouted  at  the  top  of  his  lungs.  But  Jusuke  laid  a  heavy  hand 
on  him.    With  one  long  drawn  out  groan  Densuke — awoke. 

O'Mino  was  leaning  close  over  him,  her  face  spectre-like  with 
pain.  Seeing  that  he  was  awake  she  took  away  her  hand.  "  What 
is  the  matter  with  you?  All  night  you  have  been  shouting  and 
mumbling  in  sleep.  Just  now  it  was  '  Jusuke  San !  Jusuke  San ! 
Daihachiro  Sama ! '  It  is  indeed  a  matter  of  Jusuke  San.  The  time 
of  Mino  is  at  hand ;  the  pains  begin.  Go  at  once  to  the  house  of 
Jusuke,  and  ask  his  wife  O'Yoshi  to  condescend  her  aid."  Den- 
suke sprang  up.  An  idea  flashed  into  his  mind.  He  would  go  to 
Hachobori  and  make  full  confession.  Which  was  the  most  im- 
portant? O'Yoshi  as  confessor  or  as  midwife?  With  his  brain 
thus  puzzled  over  an  answer  he  started  ofif.  His  last  injunction 
to  O'Mino  was — "  by  no  means  meddle  with  the  bundle  of 
Daihachird  Sama."  There  could  have  been  no  more  direct  invi- 
tation to  her  to  do  so.  For  a  short  time  O'Mino  did  nothing 
but  eye  the  strange  bundle.  Then  she  was  on  her  knees  before  it, 
examining  it.  "  Rain  coats  as  wrapping !  And  tied  with  rope : 
a  queer  kind  of  washing.  What  a  strange  odour !  Pickled  daikon 
(nukamisozuke)  ?  "  She  shook  it.  Something  inside  went  gotsu- 
gotsu.  This  was  too  much  for  her  curiosity.  Her  old  suspicion 
came  back,  that  Densuke  had  turned  robber.  She  poked  a  little 
hole  in  the  straw  wrapping.  Some  kind  of  cloth  covering  was 
within;  a  kimono  without  doubt.     Through  its  tissue  something 


THE  APPEARANCE  OF  O'lWA  SAN  47 

shone  white.  The  kitchen  knife  was  close  at  hand  on  the  brazier 
(hibachi).  She  reached  out,  and  in  a  moment  the  rope  was 
severed.  "  Oya !  Oya !  "  Out  rolled  a  head.  An  arm,  two 
helpless  flexible  legs  were  extended  before  her.  With  a  scream 
of  horror  O'Mino  fell  flat  on  her  back.  Lying  stretched  out  she 
uttered  one  sharp  cry  after  another.  The  neighbouring  wives 
came  hurrying  in,  a  stream  of  humanity.  "  What  is  wrong?  A 
young  wife  screams  not  without  cause.  Oya!  Oya!  O'Mino  San 
has  given  birth  to  a  baby  and  a  head.  lya !  Head,  limbs,  body — 
a  monstrous  parturition !  "  With  the  woman  groaning  in  the  pain 
of  her  delivery,  the  wives  in  confusion,  children  flying  to  summon 
the  men  folk,  the  whole  district  was  in  an  uproar.  In  the  midst 
of  the  confusion  arrived  Densuke  and  the  wife  of  Jusuke.  As 
yet  he  had  not  found  courage  to  confess.  He  was  still  "  deciding." 
A  neighbour  greeted  him — "  Densuke  San !  Strange  things  have 
happened  to  O'Mino  San.  She  has  given  birth  to  a  head  and  a 
baby  at  the  same  time.  Hasten,  Densuke  San !  Hasten  !  "  Densuke 
did  hasten ;  but  it  was  to  disappear  down  the  nearest  byway  in 
headlong  flight.  Amazed  and  confounded  the  wife  of  Jusuke  pro- 
ceeded alone  to  the  house ;  as  the  first  thing  to  set  eyes  on  the  head 
of  her  husband,  eyes  still  open  and  glaring  in  death.  With  a 
cry  she  precipitated  herself  upon  it;  took  it  in  her  arms.  The 
midwife,  summoned  in  haste,  parted  infant  from  mother.  Thus 
did  O'lwa  San  come  forth  into  the  world. 

The  affair  was  grave.  The  kenshi  (coroner)  was  soon  on  the 
scene.  O'Mino  with  feeble  voice  told  what  she  knew.  "  Deign 
to  examine  into  the  affair  beyond  the  surface.  My  husband  Den- 
suke is  not  the  man  to  commit  this  crime.  Ask  the  neighbours, 
who  know  him.  Last  night  he  brought  three  ryo,  given  him  by 
Takahashi  Daihachiro  Sama,  the  Sakuji  Machibugyo  of  Geishii  Ko. 
He  said  that  it  was  for  important  service  rendered.  There  is  no 
doubt  that  Takahashi  San  is  the  murderer.  Deign  to  examine 
well ;  show  benevolence.  .  .  .  Ah !  This  Mino  shall  have 
vengeance.    For  seven  lives  Daihachiro  shall  be  pursued.     .     .     .'' 


48  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Her  eyes  became  injected  with  blood.  Her  breast  heaved  painfully 
in  the  attempt  to  get  air.  The  women  around  her  gave  cries  of 
alarm.  O'Mino  sank  back  in  a  pool  of  blood.  She  had  died  in 
the  midst  of  her  curse.  Said  one  present — "  This  Tokichi  would 
not  be  the  honoured  Sakuji  Sama;  nay,  not  for  the  full  seven 
existences  in  human  form."  The  others  felt  as  he  did.  Even  the 
kenshi  drew  up  his  shoulders  a  little  at  the  frightful  mask  of  the 
dead  woman's  face.  He  could  learn  but  little.  Kyijbei,  soon 
at  hand,  petitioned  for  the  dead  body  of  O'Mino  and  the  custody 
of  the  infant.  The  neighbours  corroborated  the  story  of  O'Mino; 
but  Densuke  had  disappeared.  Daihachiro  never  had  confidence 
in  his  agent.  His  preparations  for  flight  had  been  made  before 
Densuke's  discovery,  and  almost  together  with  Densuke  he  had 
passed  out  the  gate  of  Geishu  Sama,  with  the  seventy  ryo  pro- 
vided by  Jusuke.  Report  being  made  to  the  Machibugyo  a  "  grass 
dividing  "  search  was  made,  without  result.  No  trace  of  either 
man  was  found.  As  for  the  child  born  under  these  auspicious 
conditions,  Kyubei  went  at  once  to  Tamiya  Matazaemon  and  made 
report.  With  bowed  head  the  old  man  awaited  the  decision.  Said 
Matazaemon — "  The  name  giving  is  to  take  place  on  the  seventh 
night.  Kyubei  will  not  fail  to  be  present."  He  did  not  speak 
further.  Thus  the  offence  of  the  parents  was  pardoned  in  O'lwa 
the  infant ;  the  grandchild  of  a  man  and  woman  passing  the  period 
of  middle  age.- 

*  A   sakuji   biigyo    was    the  official   who   had   charge  of   the   mainte- 
nance and  construction  of  public  works  within  the  daimy5's  fief. 


CHAPTER  V 

THE   AFFAIR   OF   THE   SHIBA   KIRId5SHI  ^ 

It  was  Genroku  8th  year  (1695).  O'lwa,  a  girl  of  twelve 
years,  could  understand  what  came  to  her  ears.  In  dealing  with 
each  other  the  Nipponese  are  very  exact  and  exacting.  The  New 
Year  must  start  with  a  clean  balance  sheet  for  the  tradesman — 
all  bills  paid  and  collected.  The  last  night  of  the  dying  year,  and 
its  last  few  hours ;  this  time  is  the  busiest  and  most  anxious. 
Zensuke,  the  hanto  (clerk)  of  the  Shimaya  dry  goods  shop,  accom- 
panied by  one  Jugoro,  was  passing  the  Shiba  Kiridoshi.  It  was 
the  hour  of  the  tiger  (3  a.m.).  Of  the  two,  Jugoro  was  the  fight- 
ing man.  Jurozaemon  of  the  Shimaya  had  provided  him  with  a 
short  sword  and  sent  him  as  guard  to  Zensuke,  who  would  have 
more  than  three  hundred  ryo  in  gold.  Said  Jugoro — "  Banto  San, 
whither  now?  The  hour  is  late." — "  It  is  never  late  on  the  omi- 
soka  (31st  of  the  12th  month),"  replied  Zensuke  tersely.  "  How- 
ever, there  remains  but  one  account  to  collect ;  at  Nishikubo.  We 
will  hasten." — ■"  Go  on  ahead,"  said  Jugoro.  "  A  moment  here 
for  a  necessity."  Thus  the  two  men  became  separated  by  nearly 
a  cho  (100  yards).  The  district  was  one  of  yashiki  and  temples. 
The  white  walls  of  the  former  blended  with  the  white  carpet  of 
snow  on  the  ground.  At  any  hour  it  was  no  busy  place ;  now  it 
was  desolate.  The  high  banks  of  ttie  cutting  crowned  by  woods 
and  approached  through  the  trees,  made  it  an  ideal  place  for  a 
hold-up.  Zensuke  hesitated.  He  slowed  his  pace  to  allow  his 
companion  to  join  him.     He  thought  he  saw  something  move  in 

'  A  deep  cutting  through  the  hill.  They  are  common  features  in 
Nippon.  Many  valleys  are  only  accessible  by  a  climb,  unless  miti- 
gated by  a  kiridoshi,  or  obviated  by  a  tunnel.  Kamakura,  for  instance, 
is  accessible  by  land  in  no  other  way.  Asahina  kiridoshi :  there  are 
several   others. 

4  49 


50  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

the  darkness  close  by.  From  behind  a  tree  just  before  him  came 
a  samurai.  Two  others  followed  this  man  from  the  shadows. 
The  heads  of  all  three  men  were  covered  by  zukin  (hoods).  They 
wore  vizors.  "Wait!"  Zensuke  stopped  in  fright.  "What 
suspicious  rascal  is  this,  travelling  the  quarter  at  this  hour? 
Probably  some  clerk  making  off  with  his  master's  funds.  Come 
nowi  Give  them  into  better  keeping.  Low  fellow  !  You  are  fairly 
trapped."  Zensuke  began  to  retreat,  but  two  of  the  men  were  now 
behind  him.  He  began  to  shout  for  Jugoro.  The  latter  came 
up  at  a  run — "  Honoured  Sirs !  This  is  the  Banto  San  of  the 
Shimaya  of  Honj5  Itchome.  He  is  collecting  the  house  bills. 
Deign  not  to  disturb  him." — "Shut  up!"  was  the  reply  of  the 
leader.  "  Another  fellow  of  the  same  kidney.  Look  to  him." 
Roughly  he  thrust  his  hand  into  Zensuke's  bosom  and  began  to 
hustle  and  fumble  the  clerk.  When  Jugoro  would  interfere  the 
two  other  men  prevented  him.  With  fright  he  saw  the  money 
belt  of  the  Banto  dangling  from  the  man's  hand.  The  nature 
of  the  affair  was  plain.  *'  Heigh !  Jokes  don't  go,  honoured  sirs. 
We  are  not  suspicious  fellows.  Condescend  to  pardon  us."  As 
he  spoke  he  took  advantage  of  the  negligence  of  his  opponents, 
their  interest  in  the  struggle  of  Zensuke  and  their  leader,  to 
wrench  himself  free.  At  once  his  sword  was  out.  Jugoro  was 
of  no  mean  skill.  None  of  his  wardsmen  could  face  him.  One 
man  received  severe  wounds  in  scalp  and  face.  The  other  lost 
part  of  his  hand.  But  Jugoro  was  no  match  for  the  odds  of  two 
trained  soldiers.  He  was  soon  cut  down.  Meanwhile  Zensuke 
was  shouting  lustily  for  aid.  At  this  period  there  was  a  guard 
called  the  tsujiban  (cross-roads  watch).  It  was  mostly  composed 
of  oldish  men  not  fit  for  active  service.  Such  regulations  as  there 
were  they  observed.  These  were  very  severe;  but,  as  with  the 
present  day  police,  kept  them  to  their  post.  They  rarely  troubled 
themselves  to  patrol  their  district.  From  these  men  there  could  be 
little  hope  of  aid.  Just  then,  however,  the  train  of  some  lord  came 
in  sight.     With  one  hand  the  leader  held  Zensuke  by  the  bosom 


THE  AFFAIR  OF  THE  SHIBA  KIRIDOSHI  51 

of  his  robe.  The  hand  holding  the  money  belt  was  already  thrust 
in  his  own  bosom.  In  a  moment  it  would  be  free.  Then  Zensuke 
would  go  in  company  with  Jugoro  to  the  Yellow  Fountain  (in 
Hell).  His  captor  gave  a  startled  cry.  "The  train  of  Geishu 
Sama  !  Lose  no  time  !  "  As  he  wrenched  himself  away  Zensuke 
sank  his  teeth  deep  into  the  man's  hand.  With  a  howl  of  pain 
the  fellow  made  off,  exchanging  a  little  finger  for  the  three  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  ryo  in  Zensuke's  ddmaki. 

The  banto  crouched  in  conventional  attitude  by  the  roadside. 
His  distress  was  plain ;  the  prostrate  body  of  a  man  evidence  of 
some  unusual  condition.  A  samurai  left  the  passing  train  and 
came  up  to  investigate.  "  Ah !  Robbery  and  murder :  follow 
behind  to  the  tsujiban.  It  is  their  affair."  With  moans  and 
groans  Zensuke  made  his  report.  He  was  indignant  at  the  luxury 
of  these  watchmen,  toasting  at  their  fire.  They  noted  it;  looked 
at  each  other  and  out  into  the  snowy  night,  and  laughed  with 
contempt.  For  a  tradesman's  money  belt  were  they  to  disturb 
themselves?  They  questioned  him  harshly,  in  such  way  as  to 
excuse  any  further  effort  on  their  part.  Surely  the  thieves  by 
this  time  were  at  the  other  end  of  Edo.  Two  of  them,  however, 
did  accompany  Zensuke  to  the  scene  of  the  hold-up.  Casting 
an  eye  over  Jugoro's  mangled  corpse,  said  one — "  A  good  fight : 
the  occasion  has  been  missed.  As  perhaps  the  criminal  this  man 
is  to  be  bound.  Probably  his  intent  was  to  run  away  with  the 
master's  funds."  Roughly  they  seized  him,  hustled  him  back 
to  the  guardhouse.  Trussed  up  Zensuke  had  to  spend  the  hours 
in  alarm  and  fear.  Luckily  the  kcnshi  soon  appeared.  It  was 
the  omisoka.  No  official  business  would  be  performed  during  the 
three  days  following.  Jugoro  could  hardly  exercise  patience  and 
remain  as  he  was  for  that  space  of  time.  So  the  examination  was 
duly  held.  The  Shimaya  soon  secured  the  body  of  Jugoro  and  the 
release  of  Zensuke.  The  latter's  evidence  was  put  on  record; 
none  too  satisfactory,  as  the  concealing  aukin  prevented  any 
recognition  or  description  of  the  features  of  the  assailants.     He 


52  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

only  knew  of  the  cries  of  impatience  at  wounds  received,  and 
knew  that  he  had  left  his  mark  on  his  own  opponent.  How  then 
were  they  to  be  run  down  ?  The  kenshi  showed  some  impatience. 
Said  he  to  the  captain  of  the  tsujiban—"  Why  truss  up  this  man, 
even  though  a  tradesman?  He  has  all  his  own  fingers,  and 
the  corpse  lacks  none."  He  touched  the  severed  finger  with  his 
baton.  With  this  all  were  dismissed,  and  to  all  seeming  the  affair 
was  forgotten. 

The  Tokugawa  had  their  plain-clothes  police.  One  of  the  most 
noted  was  Magome  Yaemon  of  Hachobori.  His  great  grand- 
father had  captured  Marubashi  Chuya,  of  note  in  the  rebellion  of 
Yui  Shosetsu  at  the  time  of  the  fourth  Shogun  lyetsuna  Ko.  One 
day  this  Magome  Dono,  in  company  with  a  yakunin  (constable) 
named  Kuma,  was  rummaging  the  poorer  districts  of  Shitaya 
Hirokdji.  The  two  men  were  disguised  as  charcoal  burners,  and 
attracted  little  attention.  All  the  legitimate  profession  in  the 
way  of  medicine  and  pharmacy  had  been  ransacked  by  the  magis- 
trate (machibugyo)  of  the  south  district.  Yaemon  felt  sure  that 
there  were  still  some  by-ways.  "  Who's  that  fellow  ?  he  asked 
Kuma.  The  constable  laughed.  He's  a  snnekiri  (shin-cutter). 
The  rascals  can  be  told  by  their  tough  dark  blue  cotton  socks, 
the  coarse  straw  sandals,  and  the  banded  leggings.  Deign  to  note 
the  long  staff  he  carries.  They  peddle  plasters — shin  plasters, 
guaranteed  to  cure  any  wound,  to  stop  any  flow  of  blood.  A 
man's  arm  hangs  but  by  a  strip  of  skin ;  the  blood  flows  in  tor- 
rents. Apply  the  plaster  and  the  flow  ceases  at  once,  the  arm 
heals.  They  drive  a  roaring  trade,  even  among  the  biishi  {samu- 
rai) ;  selling  a  shell  here,  two  there.  As  for  their  real  useful- 
ness.    .     .     ."     He  laughed.-     They  followed  after  the  man  and 

* "  The  description  is  curious.  Writing  fifty  years  ago  Ryuo  tells  us 
these  men  no  longer  practised.  His  book  is  not  readily  met  with  and 
the  passage  in  the  original  is  worth  preserving — "  Kono  siiiiegiri  yatsti 
to  iu  wa  tadaima  de  wa  arimasen  ga;  makurajima  no  tabi  ni  asaura  wo 
haki,  sankeigyd  ito  kyahan  de,  iiagai  no  wo  ippon  sashi.     Eh!    To  de  a 


THE  AFFAIR  OF  THE  SHIBA  KIRIDOSHI  53 

soon  came  to  a  guard  house.  Said  Magome  San — "  Detain  thai 
man  yonder.  He  is  to  be  examined."  The  ward  officer  was  a  Ut- 
tle  surprised — "  Respectfully  heard  and  vmderstood.  It  is  old 
Yamabayashi  Yogen."'  Soon  the  man  entered  the  guard  house. 
Said  the  official  drily — "  Magome  Dono  is  here  to  talk  with 
■  Yogen.  What  has  he  been  up  to  ?  "  But  the  old  fellow  was  con- 
fident. "  Thanks  are  felt."  With  the  ease  of  the  righteous 
and  prosperous  he  passed  into  the  presence  of  Yaemon.  The  lat- 
ter greeted  him  with  a  non-official  genial  smile.  "  Ah !  This  is 
Yamabayashi  Yogen,  the  head  of  the  Sunckiri.  And  business?" 
— "  Truly  this  Yogen  is  grateful.  Man  was  born  with  teeth. 
Men  and  women  still  seek  each  other's  company.  So  long  as  such 
endures  Yogen  finds  profit." — "  And  plasters?  " — "  They  are  the 
aflfair  of  Tokichi.  Would  his  worship  deign  to  examine  him. 
.     .     .     condescend  dismissal.     At  once  he  presents  himself." 

Thus  in  short  order  the  straight  haired,  unshaven,  low  browed 
Tokichi  stuck  his  head  into  the  Sanbashi  guard  house.  "  Deign 
to  pardon  this  Tokichi.  The  honoured  benevolence. 
The  ward  officer  eyed  him  knowingly  and  quizzically.  "  Shut  up ! 
Magome  Dono  has  questions  to  ask  about  clients.  Wait  until  the 
questions  deal  with  the  doings  of  Tokichi.  That  will  be  well.  Then 
it  will  be  time  enough  to  lie.  Meanwhile,  be  sure  and  tell  the 
truth."  With  this  disinterested  advice  Tokichi  was  passed  to  the 
presence.      Once    more    conscience    spoke   louder   than    caution. 

isogi  de  nai.  Okata  wa  zvatakushi  no  mosn  koyakii  no  kono  wo  kiite  o 
motome  nasai.  Nukeba  tamachirii  iiagai  no  yaiba  da  nure  kami  de  mo  kayo 
ni  kircru,  tadaima  yatsu  ga  wo  kiri  chi  ivo  tomcte  goran  ni  ireru;  to 
marn  de  kirn  yd  desti  ga  ha  (yaiba)  no  arte  tokoro  wa  madzu  no  kata 
bakari  de,  moto  no  kata  wa  yaiba  ga  hiite  am  yiic,  sono  ha  hiku  no 
tokoro  wo  tide  he  ataru  to  stiji  ga  tsnku  bakari  de  kire  washimasen  ga^ 
tanka  ga  kircru  kara,  chizua  taki-tsti  se  no  gotoku  nagareru.  Chi  ni  wa 
sakarazvacu  iktisa  naka  ko  wo  mochiircba,  sokuza  ni  todomaru  nani  mae 
kara  todotterii  no  desu  ga,  hagyn  da  kara  rnaru  de  chi  ga  tomaru  yd  ni 
micrti  kara,  kono  ho  he  hitotsu  gai,  kono  ho  he  futatsu  gai,  to  uremasu." 
— "  Yotsuya  Kwaidan,"  pp.  31-32. 


54  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

The  honoured  benevolence,  the  honoured  pity;  condescend  the 
honoured  examination  into  the  innocence  of  Tokichi."  Yaemon 
laughed.  "  Fortunately  it  is  not  a  matter  of  Tokichi,  but  of  his 
plasters.  Who  bought  these  at  this  year's  Shogwatsu  (New 
Year)  ?  Be  careful  in  answer.  The  case  is  a  bad  one."  Tokichi 
considered.  "  The  first  day  of  the  New  Year  a  man  came.  His 
purchase  of  salve  was  large.  In  the  course  of  the  past  three 
months  he  has  been  many  times  to  buy.  His  visits  now  are  wider 
spaced,  and  he  praises  the  goods — as  he  ought.  No  hand  ever  had 
a  worse  poisoned  wound.  He  .  .  .  " — "  Age  and  appear- 
ance?" interrupted  Yaemon,  now  all  attention.  He  had  struck 
a  trail.  "  Perhaps  fifty  years;  fair  of  complexion,  tall,  and  stout. 
By  his  lordly  manner  he  must  at  least  be  a  go-kenin,  or  a  charla- 
tan." Who  was  this  man  ?  Yaemon  felt  sure  that  he  was  about 
to  learn  something  of  interest.  Kuma  was  given  his  instructions. 
"Go  daily  to  the  shop  of  this  man  and  receive  his  report.  As  to  the 
samurai  in  question  be  circumspect.  Evidently  he  is  no  ordinary 
person.  \  samurai  is  to  be  summoned,  not  disgraced  by  arrest — 
if  he  is  a  samurai."  So  Kuma  with  several  aids  established  him- 
self in  the  rear  of  Tokichi's  shop.  The  man  not  having  put  in  an 
appearance  for  several  weeks,  the  wait,  if  uncertain,  was  soon 
rewarded.  On  the  25th  day  of  the  3rd  month  (May)  he  pre- 
sented himself.  Kuma  recognized  him  at  once  by  the  description ; 
sooner  than  Tokichi,  who  was  engaged  in  filling  his  little  shells 
with  the  marvellous  salve.  The  officer's  decision  was  prompt. 
At  a  call  Tokichi  turned  from  his  drugs.  "  Ah !  the  honoured  Sir. 
And  the  arm,  does  it  honourably  progress?" — "Progress  could 
not  be  better.  This  is  probably  the  last  visit."  In  replying  the 
man  eyed  Tokichi  with  some  astonishment.  The  latter  made  his 
bows,  first  to  the  new-comer,  then  to  the  indefinite  rear  of  the 
establishment.  "  Indeed  the  drug  is  all  tliat  is  claimed  for  it. 
The  wound  being  poisoned,  at  one  time  it  looked  as  if  the  hand, 
nay  arm,  must  go.  These  House  doctors  are  notoriously  good  for 
nothing.     Just  as  nothing  can  surpass  your  product,  good  leech. 


THE  AFFAIR  OF  THE  SHIBA  KIRIDOSHI  55 

Here  is  money  for  two  shells  of  its  virtues."  He  held  out  a  silver 
bu.^  Busied  with  his  preparations  Tokichi  looked  in  vain  toward 
the  rear  apartment.  After  as  long  delay  as  he  could  contrive 
he  passed  the  shells  and  a  heap  of  copper  change  over  to  the  custo- 
mer. As  soon  as  the  latter  had  left  the  shop  Tokichi  bolted  for 
the  rear.  Kuma  was  gone.  His  aids  were  calmly  smoking  their 
pipes  and  drinking  the  poor  tea  (bancha)  of  Tdkichi. 

Kuma  had  little  trouble  in  following  his  man  to  Okachimachi 
in  Shitaya.  He  found  near  by  a  shop  for  the  sale  of  every- 
thing, from  tobacco  to  daikon  (radish),  both  odoriferous,  yet 
lacking  perfume.  Said  Kuma — "A  question  or  so :  this  tall 
samurai,  an  oldish  man,  who  lives  close  by;  who  is  he?"  The 
woman  in  charge  hesitated.  Then  dislike  overcame  discretion. 
"Ah !  With  the  hand  wrapped  in  a  bandage ;  his  name  is  vSakarai 
Kichiro  Tayu.  Truly  he  is  a  bad  man.  That  he  should  quarrel 
with  his  own  class  is  no  great  matter.  Maimed  as  he  is,  thrice 
report  has  been  made  to  the  guard  house,  but  in  each  case  he 
has  escaped  further  process.  He  is  a  dreadful  fellow ;  one  who 
never  pays  a  debt,  yet  to  whom  it  is  dangerous  to  refuse  credit. 
Already  nearly  a  ryo  is  due  to  this  Echigoya.  It  has  been  the 
bad  luck  to  support  him  and  his  family  during  the  past  six 
months."  Said  Kuma — "  Thus  maimed,  to  hold  his  own  in 
quarrels  he  must  be  a  notable  fencer  as  well  as  brawler.  Was 
the  wound  so  received  ?  " — "  lya  !  That  is  not  known.  Some 
quarrel  at  the  New  Year's  festivities  probably  was  the  cause. 
Before  that  time  he  was  sound  enough."  She  laughed.  "  He 
has  two  friends ;  Kahei  San  and  Miemon  San.  They  are  birds 
of  a  feather;  and  all  partly  plucked.  Perhaps  they  quarrelled 
in  company,  but  if  so  have  made  it  up.  Sakurai  San  is  a  match 
for  the  two  others."    She  looked  at  Kuma,  to  see  if  he  had  more 

'  One-fourth  of  a  ryo  =  15  silver  momme  =  872  grains  Troy.  Money 
had  much  greater  purchasing  value  at  that  time  as  compared  with  the 
present  days ;  perhaps  20  times,  but  adulteration  of  the  coinage  caused 
great  variations. 


56  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

to  say.  Indifferent  he  picked  out  a  strand  of  tobacco.  "  He 
shouldered  this  Gobei  into  the  ditch  close  by  here.  Fortunate  is 
it  to  have  escaped  worse  injury."  Satisfied  with  his  inquiries  he 
took  his  way  in  haste  to  his  master.  The  eyes  of  Yaemon  and 
his  aid  shone  with  enjoyment.  Surely  they  had  the  men  of  the 
Shiba  Kiridoshi. 

Magome  Yaemon  at  once  sought  out  the  machibugyo's  office. 
His  lordship  heard  the  report.  "  Different  disorders  require  dif- 
ferent treatment.  Of  two  of  these  men  this  Gemba  knows  some- 
thing. The  other  man  is  hard  to  place,  and  evidently  not  so  easy 
to  deal  with."  Two  doshin  and  yakunin  were  sent  at  once  to  the 
addresses  indicated.  To  capture  Nakagawa  Miemon  and  Imai 
Kahei  was  an  easy  task.  The  doshin  and  yakunin  sent  to  the 
house  of  Sakurai  formed  a  band  of  twenty  men.  The  house  sur- 
rounded, without  ceremony  the  officer  and  an  aid  entered.  "  On 
the  lord's  mission:  Sakurai  San  is  wanted  at  the  office  of  Matsuda 
Dono.  H  resistance  be  made  it  will  be  necessary  to  use  the  rope. 
Pray  accompany  me."  Sakurai  Kichiro  divined  the  object  of  the 
arrest.  "  The  affair  at  the  Kiridoshi  has  been  scented  out.  The 
manner  of  that  rascally  drug  seller  was  strange  to-day."  The 
officer  had  planted  himself  right  before  the  sword  rack.  Sakurai 
could  neither  kill  anybody,  nor  cut  belly.  He  turned  to  his  wife. 
"  There  is  a  matter  on  hand  to  be  explained.  Absence  will  prob- 
ably be  prolonged.  Already  the  day  is  far  advanced.  .  .  .  Ah  ! 
Is  it  Kichitaro  ?  "  A  boy  of  seven  years  had  rushed  into  the  room. 
"  Pretty  fellow  !  .  .  .  Honoured  Sir,  be  patient.  The  separa- 
tion is  no  short  one.  No  resistance  is  made.  We  go  the  same 
road.  .  .  .  Taro;  rude  fellow!  Salute  the  gentleman."  The 
boy  obeyed,  with  grave  ceremony  and  a  hostility  which  divined 
an  unpleasant  mission.  "  Your  father  leaves  you.  It  is  now 
the  time  to  obey  the  mother  in  all  she  says.  Remember  well,  or 
the  end  will  be  a  bad  one."  Wife  and  child  clung  to  him,  fright- 
ened and  now  weeping.  It  was  an  arrest;  their  mainstay  was 
being  taken  from  them.     In  the  last  caresses  he  had  time  to  bend 


THE  AFFAIR  OF  THE  SHIBA  KIRIDOSHI  57 

down  and  whisper  to  O'Ren — "  In  the  toilet  box  is  a  scroll  sealed 
,up.  All  is  there  explained.  Read  and  destroy  it.  In  later  days 
at  discretion  let  our  son  know."  Roughly  he  pushed  woman  and 
boy  aside.  With  rapid  stride  he  reached  the  entrance.  The 
yakunin  confronted  him.  He  laughed  and  waved  a  hand.  "  There 
is  no  resistance.  We  go  the  same  road."  The  doshin  permitted 
the  laxity  of  discipline.     He  had  his  orders. 

Meanwhile  the  examination  of  the  other  two  men  was  in 
progress  at  the  office  of  the  machibugyo.  As  the  biggest  fool 
of  the  two,  Nakagawa  Miemon  was  the  first  summoned  to  the 
presence  of  Matsuda  Dono.  Said  the  Judge  * — "  Nakagawa  Uji, 
there  is  a  slight  inquiry  to  make.  How  were  those  scars  on  the 
face  come  by?  These  are  marks  of  wounds  not  long  since  re- 
ceived. Consider  well  and  remember."  The  tone  of  menace  stag- 
gered Miemon.  He  had  anticipated  some  rebuke  for  slight  in- 
fraction of  the  peace,  not  unusual  with  these  men.  "  Naruhodo ! 
Has  the  Shiba  Kiridoshi  matter  cropped  up?"  He  hesitated — 
"  The  story  is  a  long  one,  and  a  foolish  one.  To  weary  the 
honoured  ears  .  .  ."  Matsuda  Gemba  caught  him  up  with 
impatient  gesture.  "  Answer  the  question,  and  truly.  Naka- 
gawa Miemon  is  noted  neither  for  judgment  nor  sobriety."  The 
man  caught  up  the  last  phrase  as  a  cue.  Eagerly  he  spoke,  the 
doors  of  the  jail  opening  wide  for  exit — "  So  it  is  indeed.  Wine 
never  benefited  man ;  much  less  a  samurai.  Hence,  with  Kahei 
and  Sakurai  Uji,  it  was  decided  to  forswear  wine  forever.  It 
was  determined  to  make  a  pilgrimage  to  Kompira  San.  There 
the  vow  of  abstinence  was  to  be  taken;  on  its  holy  ground.  All 
went  well.  We  met  at  Nihonbashi.  Alas !  At  the  Kyobashi  the 
perfume  of  a  grog  shop  reached  our  noses.  The  vow  had  not 
yet  been  taken.     The  ground  was  not  holy.     Just  one  last  drink 

*  The  Machibugyo  was  judge  and  prosecutor  (procurator  or  dis- 
trict attorney);  the  two  offices  being  held  by  the  same  man.  A  court 
trial  included  both  functions.  Teiigu,  used  below,  is  the  long-nosed 
wood  bogey.     There  is  a  note  in   Benkei,  i,  260. 


58  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

before  setting  out.  But  the  Buddha  was  unfavourable.  Once 
begun,  the  drinking  was  adjourned  to  a  cook  shop.  There  the 
bout  continued  all  day.  Wine  lent  us  the  wings  of  tengu.  We 
travelled  the  road  to  Kompira  San  in  a  dream.  In  the  progress 
Kahei  and  this  Miemon  quarrelled.  Swords  were  drawn,  and 
we  cut  each  other.  These  wounds  on  head  and  face  were  the 
portion  of  this  Miemon.  Kahei  had  his  hand  nearly  severed. 
Sakarai  San,  who  was  asleep,  aroused  by  the  noise,  sprang  up 
to  part  us.  He  is  a  man  to  be  feared;  but  in  my  rage  I  sank 
my  teeth  in  his  hand.  The  bite  of  man  or  beast  is  poison.  His 
wound  was  worse  than  that  of  either  of  us. 

Gemba  Dono  was  in  conversation  with  his  chamberlain.  He 
let  Miemon  talk  away.  He  was  not  one  to  say  too  little.  As 
barely  having  listened  he  asked — "  When  was  this  fight  ?  The 
day  of  the  vow  and  journey  to  Kompira?  Truly  the  result  has 
been  the  vengeance  of  offended  deity." — "  The  twelfth  month 
tenth  day,"  naturally  replied  Miemon.  Gemba  forced  him  to  re- 
peat the  answer.  Several  times  he  put  the  query  in  different 
forms.  Miemon,  fool  that  he  was,  stuck  to  the  date.  Then  said 
the  magistrate — "  Miemon,  you  are  a  liar.  Moreover,  you  are 
a  murderer.  On  the  13th  day,  on  going  up  to  the  castle,  this 
Gemba  had  converse  with  your  lord.  At  that  time  Nakagawa 
Miemon  was  summoned  to  carry  out  a  mission.  As  a  man  of 
whom  report  had  been  made  you  were  noted  well.  At  that  time 
you  had  no  wound.  .  .  .  Tie  him  up,  and  take  him  away." 
The  yakunin  fell  on  him  from  all  sides.  In  a  trice  he  was  trussed 
up  and  removed. 

Then  appeared  Imai  Kahei.  Kahei  was  cunning,  but  also  a 
coward.  To  the  questions  of  the  Machihugyo  he  procrastinated 
in  his  answers,  confused  them  all  he  could.  What  had  Miemon 
said?  "  He  spoke  of  the  eloquence  of  Imai  San;  of  Kahei  Uji  as 
the  clever  man,  the  one  to  tell  the  tale  properly.  Now  let  us  have 
the  true  statement  of  the  case."  Such  was  Gemba's  reply.  It 
was  flattering.     Unable  to  help  himself  Kahei  set  sail  on  his  sea 


THE  AFFAIR  OF  THE  SHIBA  KIRIDOSHI  59 

of  lies.  "  We  all  like  wine  .  .  ." — "  Ah !  After  all  you  are 
agreed."  Gemba  smiled  pleasantly.  Kahei  took  courage — "  But 
wine  costs  money.  Together  we  went  to  Kuraya  Jibei,  a  money- 
lender living  at  Kuramae  no  Saka,  as  is  well  known."  Gemba 
nodded  assent.  "  Of  him  two  ryo  were  borrowed,  on  agreement 
to  repay  ten  ryo  as  interest  within  a  month.  The  nearest  grog 
shop  was  sought,  and  it  was  the  hour  of  the  rat  (ii  p.m.)  before 
the  return  was  started.  At  the  Teobashi  a  band  of  drunkards  was 
encountered.  Without  cause  these  men  forced  a  quarrel  on  us. 
Thus  was  the  hand  of  Kahei  nearly  severed.  This  is  the  truth." — 
"  And  what  was  the  date  of  this  money  bond?  "  Imai  hesitated. 
He  had  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  drug  seller  Tokichi  on  being 
brought  into  the  place.  Without  doubt  the  Kiridoshi  affair  was  in 
question.  He  must  antedate  his  wound.  "  Kahei  does  not  remem- 
ber with  certainty.  Perhaps  it  was  the  seventeenth  day;  before 
the  Kwannon  festival  of  the  eighteenth  day."  He  mumbled,  and 
was  frightened.  Said  Gemba  sharply — "  Speak  distinctly ;  the 
seventeenth  day  ?  " — "  Hei !  Hei !  Some  time  in  the  last  decade 
of  the  month ;  the  nineteenth  or  twentieth  day — not  later ;  not 
later."  Matsuda  Gemba  almost  leaped  at  him.  "  Oh,  you  liar ! 
On  the  last  day  of  the  year  you  came,  in  person,  to  this  Gemba 
to  anticipate  the  New  Year's  gift  {^seho^.  At  that  time  you  had 
no  wound.  Yet  the  drug  seller  sees  you  next  day  with  maimed 
hand.  It  was  not  at  Teobashi,  but  at  Shiba  Kiridoshi,  that  the 
wound  was  received.  .  .  .  Tie  him  up,  and  away  with  him." 
The  yakunin  came  forward.  Imai  made  a  spasmodic  attempt 
to  rise.  They  threw  him  down,  and  in  a  moment  he  was  keeping 
company  with  Nakagawa  Miemon. 

Gemba  Dono  braced  himself  for  the  more  serious  task.  So 
did  his  yakunin.  A  glance  showed  the  magistrate  that  he  had 
mistaken  his  man.  Sakarai  Kichiro  came  forward  with  calm  and 
dignity.  Making  his  ceremonial  salutation  to  the  judge  he  came 
at  once  to  the  point.  "  What  lies  Miemon  and  Kahei  have  told, 
this  Kichiro  knows  not.    The  fact  is  that  we  three  plotted  together 


60  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

to  rob  the  fatly  supplied  purses  of  the  banfo  making  their  rounds 
in  settlement  of  accounts  at  the  close  of  the  year.  Hence  the 
bantO  of  the  Shimaya,  Zensuke,  lost  his  money  belt,  and  a  man 
of  the  same  stamp,  one  Jugoro,  was  killed.  All  three  of  us  are 
guilty  of  the  murder.  .  .  ."  As  he  would  proceed  Gemba  held 
up  his  hand.  "  Bring  in  the  other  two  men.  Continue,  Kichiro." 
Said  Sakarai — "  Miemon  was  badly  cut  about  the  head  and  face. 
Kahei  nearly  lost  his  hand.  This  Kichiro  would  have  killed  the 
clerk,  but  the  procession  of  Geishii  Sama  came  in  sight,  and 
recognition  was  feared.  Of  the  three  hundred  and  twenty-five 
ryo  secured.  .  .  ."  The  eyes  of  Nakagawa  and  Imai  stood 
out.  Aghast  they  had  followed  the  confession  of  Sakarai  Kichiro, 
with  full  intention  to  deny  its  truth.  Now  they  were  in  a  fury. 
"  What !  Three  hundred  and  twenty-five  ryo!  And  we  had  but  ten 
ryo  apiece.  You  jest,  Sakarai  Uji.  .  .  .  Oh!  The  low  fel- 
low !    The  villain  !    A  very  beast !    A  swine  !  " 

Gemba  Dono  could  ask  for  nothing  more.  With  smiling  face 
and  courtesy  he  turned  to  Sakurai  Kichiro.  Why  did  Kichiro 
take  the  three  hundred  ryo,  giving  to  these  fellows  such  a  paltry 
sum?  "  Answered  Kichiro — "  As  deserving  no  more.  They  are 
paltry  fellows;  little  better  than  common  soldiers  (ashigaru). 
But  there  is  more' to  tell,  now  the  end  is  reached.  The  true  name 
of  Sakarai  Kichiro  is  Takahashi  Daihachiro,  at  one  time  a  re- 
tainer of  Matsudaira  Aki  no  Kami.  Pressed  by  the  money  lender 
Jusuke,  I  killed  him  and  had  the  body  disposed  of  by  one  Densuke, 
the  cook  at  the  soldiers'  quarters  of  the  yashiki.  This  was  in 
Tenwa  3rd  year  5th  month  (June  1683).  Fleeing  to  avoid  arrest 
the  occupation  of  writing  teacher  was  taken  up  at  Yuki  in  Shimosa. 
Densuke,  too,  had  fled,  and  hither  he  came  as  a  wandering  beggar. 
Fearing  his  tongue  I  killed  him ;  and  mutilating  the  corpse,  threw 
it  into  the  castle  moat  close  by.  A  beggar  found  dead,  no  inquiry 
was  made." — "  When  did  this  take  place?  "  asked  Gemba.  "'  Just 
one  year  later — Jokyo  ist  year  5th  month."  He  made  a  little 
movement.     Nakagawa  and  Imai  broke  out  into  protest  at  the 


THE  AFFAIR  OF  THE  SHIBA  KIRIDOSHI  61 

completeness  of  this  confession,  but  Sakarai  turned  fiercely  on 
them.  "  Shut  up !  To  undergo  public  trial  would  bring  shame 
on  all  kerai  throughout  the  land ;  would  cause  people  to  fear  our 
caste.  We  three  planned  the  deed  and  secured  the  money."  He 
put  his  arms  behind  his  back.  The  yakunin,  stepping  softly,  roped 
him  up  almost  with  respect.  A  wave  of  Gemba's  hand  and  the 
guilty  men  were  removed.  Unable  to  help  themselves,  Naka- 
gawa  and  Imai  made  confession  to  avoid  the  torture  in  what  was 
now  a  hopeless  case.  Later  the  sentences  of  condemnation  were 
issued.  Degraded  from  their  status  the  three  men  were  taken  to 
the  execution  ground  of  Shinagawa,  and  there  decapitated. 

The  wife  of  Takahashi  Daihachiro  did  not  wait  these  pro- 
ceedings. The  confession  of  her  husband  was  in  her  hands 
before  he  himself  told  everything  to  Matsuda  Gemba.  Before 
night  she  had  decamped  with  her  son.  At  eight  years  of  age 
Kichitaro  was  placed  as  disciple  (dcshi)  at  the  Joshinji  of  Fuka- 
gawa.  Receiving  the  name  of  Myoshin  he  became  the  favourite 
of  the  rector  (jTishoku)  of  the  temple.  The  mother  now  became 
reduced  to  the  greatest  penury.  For  a  time  she  was  bawd  in  the 
Honj5  Warigesui  district.  Subsequently  she  was  promoted  to  the 
position  of  favourite  sultana  (wife)  of  her  master  Toeman,  local 
head  of  his  profession.  Her  name  now  was  O'Matsu.  When 
Mydshin  was  thirteen  years  old  in  some  way  he  was  told  that  she 
was  dead.  Henceforth  he  had  no  stay  in  the  world  but  the  worthy 
priest,  who  became  a  second  and  better  father  to  him.  This  treat- 
ment found  its  usual  and  virtuous  reward.  At  eighteen  years,  now 
a  priest  and  learned  in  priestly  ways,  he  took  to  himself  the  con- 
tents of  the  temple  strong  box.  Fifty  ryo  soon  disappeared  in  the 
company  of  the  harlots  of  Fukagawa  Yagura-Shita.  A  prolonged 
absence  of  Myoshin  aroused  the  inquiries  of  the  other  monks,  and 
the  eyes  of  the  rector  were  soon  opened  as  to  his  unworthy  prose- 
lyte, the  blighted  issue  of  a  miserable  stock." 

*The  tazvara  equals  two-fifths  of  a  koku.  At  present-day  figures  the 
stipend  of  Tamiya  can  be  put  at  about  2000  yen;  that  of  Ito  Kwaiba, 


62  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

mentioned  later,  at  13,000  yen.  The  great  dainiyo  with  incomes  running 
into  the  hundreds  of  thousands  of  koku  were  princes  administering 
part  of  the  public  domain,  with  armies  and  an  elaborate  civil  service 
to  support.  Even  a  hatamoto  (minor  daimyo,  immediate  vassals  of  the 
shogun)  of  10,000  koku,  such  as  Yagyu  Tajima  no  Kami  had  a  large 
train  at  his  Edo  yashiki  and  at  his  fief.  The  Date  House  of  Sendai,  or  the 
Maeda  of  Kaga,  Etchu,  and  Echizen,  are  examples  of  the  greater 
Tozama,or  lords  independent  in  the  administration  of  their  fiefs.  Labour, 
it  is  to  be  added,  was  cheap  compared  to  food  values.  Taxes  were 
heavy — ranging  from  30  to  70  per  cent.  The  middleman  took  his  high 
fee.  Yet  sumptuary  laws  were  necessary  to  prevent  extravagance  among 
the  farming  class.  Some  of  them  were  rich  men,  especially  in  the  better 
administered  Tokugawa  fiefs.  The  public  works  required  of  the  daimyo 
— especially  the  Tozama — prevented  a  dangerous  accumulation  of  re- 
sources, and  sometimes  almost  ruined  his  subjects.  Accurate  measure- 
ments of  income  are  not  available.  The  koku  of  daimyo  income  has 
been  placed  as  high  as  ten  bushels.  The  present-day  koku  equals  5.13 
bushels.     The  price  of  rice  ranges  between   15-20  yen  per  koku. 


CHAPTER  VI 

NEGOTIATIONS:   THE  BUSINESS   OF  A   MARRIAGE 
BROKER   (NAKODO) 

The  presence  of  O'lwa  created  an  upheaval  in  the  Samoncho 
household.  The  wet  nurse  required  brought  with  her  a  train  of 
servants.  With  the  child's  growth  this  was  maintained,  even 
increased.  The  young  lady  (Ojosan)  found  herself  graduated 
into  one  with  a  status  to  maintain.  All  the  niggardly  habits  of 
Matazaemon  were  thrown  to  the  winds  with  the  advent  6f  this 
grandchild.  The  affection  never  shown  outwardly  to  the  mother, 
was  lavished  on  her  daughter.  At  seven  years  of  age  OTwa  under- 
went the  common  enough  infliction  of  smallpox.  It  showed  itself 
on  the  anniversary  day  of  O'Mino's  death,  and  the  child's  sick- 
ness afforded  but  mutilated  rites  for  the  memorial  service  of  the 
mother.  Matazaemon  would  have  abandoned  all  his  duties,  him- 
self to  nurse  the  child.  O'Naka  loved  O'lwa  for  self  and  daughter. 
She  had  sense  enough  to  drive  the  old  man  into  a  corner  of  the 
room,  then  out  of  it;  and  further  expostulations  sent  him  to  his 
duties.  Who,  in  those  iron  days,  would  accept  such  excuse  for 
absence  ?  The  child  worried  through,  not  unscathed.  Her  grand- 
mother's qualifications  as  nurse  have  been  mentioned.  O'lwa 
was  a  plain  girl.  She  had  the  flat  plate-like  face  of  her  mother. 
The  eyes  were  small,  disappearing  behind  the  swollen  eyelids,  the 
hair  was  scanty,  the  disease  added  its  black  pock  marks  which 
stood  thick  and  conspicuous  on  a  fair  skin.  Otherwise  she  was 
spared  by  its  ravages,  except — 

Whatever  her  looks  O'lwa  compensated  for  all  by  her  disposi- 
tion. She  had  one  of  those  balanced  even  temperaments,  with 
clear  judgment,  added  to  a  rare  amiability.  Moreover  she  pos- 
sessed all  the  accomplishments  and  discipline  of  a  lady.    At  eleven 

63 


64  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAipAN 

years  Matazaemon  unwillingly  had  sought  and  found  a  place  for 
her  in  attendance  on  her  ladyship  of  the  great  Hosokawa  House. 
O'lwa's  absence  made  no  difference  in  his  household.  The  train 
of  servants  was  maintained,  to  be  disciplined  for  her  return,  to  be 
ready  on  this  return.  Perhaps  it  was  a  pleasing  fiction  to  the 
fond  mind  of  the  aging  man  that  she  would  return,  soon,  to- 
morrow. O'Naka  acquiesced  in  the  useless  expense  and  change 
in  her  habits.  She  always  acquiesced ;  yet  her  own  idea  would 
have  been  to  make  a  good  housekeeper  of  OTwa — like  herself, 
to  sew,  cook,  wash,  clean — a  second  O'Mino.  She  could  not 
understand  the  new  turn  of  Matazaemon's  mind.  As  for  O'lwa, 
she  grew  to  girlhood  in  the  Hosokawa  House,  learned  all  the 
accomplishments  of  her  own  house  and  what  the  larger  scale  of 
her  new  position  could  teach  her ;  everything  in  the  way  of  eti- 
quette and  the  polite  arts,  as  well  as  the  plainer  tasks  of  house- 
keeping, she  was  likely  ever  to  be  called  on  to  perform.  The 
plain  child  grew  into  the  plain  woman ;  perhaps  fortunately  for 
her.  The  okugata  (her  ladyship)  was  a  jealous  woman.  Her 
spouse  was  mad  on  women.  Every  nubile  maid  {koshiuioto)  in 
the  yasliiki  was  a  candidate  for  concubinage.  His  wife  countered 
by  as  hideous  a  collection  of  females  as  her  owni  House  and  her 
lord's  retainers  could  furnish.  O'lwa  attracted  from  the  first 
by  her  lack  of  all  physical  attraction.  His  lordship  tried  to  get 
used  to  her  with  the  passage  of  years — and  failed.  He  could  not 
stomach  the  necessary  advances.  But  the  girl's  admirable  temper 
and  even  judgment  secured  the  esteem  of  all.  These  latter  quali- 
ties captivated  the  whole  household.  It  was  O'lwa  who  per- 
formed all  duties  for  her  ladyship,  took  them  in  charge  as  her  sub- 
stitute. For  the  first  time  in  his  life  Oki  no  Kami  found  some- 
thing in  a  woman  apart  from  her  sex.  When  the  time  came  for 
O'lwa  to  depart,  the  regret  of  lord  and  lady  was  substantially 
expressed  in  their  gifts.  But  his  lordship  had  to  admit  failure. 
Not  a  retainer  could  be  found  willing  to  take  the  daughter  of 
Tamiya  as  wife.    So  far  O'lwa's  mission  at  the  yasliiki  had  failed. 


THE  BUSINESS  OF  A  MARRIAGE  BROKER  65 

O'Naka  knew  this.  Matazaemon  never  gave  it  thought ;  so  glad 
he  was  to  get  her  back.  He  received  the  honoured  words  and 
presents  with  humble  and  delighted  thanks.  O'lwa  reentered  her 
home,  a  recovered  jewel.  She  was  the  Ojosan,  the  lady  daughter. 
A  first  step  of  her's  was  gradually  to  get  rid  of  a  good  part  of 
the  superfluous  train.     O'lwa  was  a  very  practical  girl. 

Matazaemon  was  now  old  and  ill.  He  was  nearing  his  seven- 
tieth year.  The  one  idea  in  his  head  was  the  mtiko,  the  son  to 
be  adopted  as  husband  of  the  heir  of  the  House;  the  mate  to  be 
secured  for  O'lwa,  and  the  posterity  to  be  secured  for  his  House. 
As  a  little  girl  O'lwa  had  been  much  courted — in  fun,  Watanabe 
Juzo,  Natsume  Kyuzo,  Imaizumi  Jinzaemon,  many  others  the 
growing  "  sparks  "  of  Samoncho  and  roundabout,  could  not  for- 
bear this  amusement  with  the  little  "  Bakemono  "  (apparition). 
Of  their  ill  intent  O'lwa  knew  nothing.  Indeed  a  short  experience 
with  O'lwa  disarmed  derision.  Most  of  the  unseemly  lovers 
came  genuinely  to  like  the  girl,  unless  inherent  malice  and  ugliness 
of  disposition,  as  with  Natsume  and  Akiyama  Chozaemon,  made 
their  sport  more  than  mere  pastime.  But  as  grown  men  they  could 
not  face  the  results  of  the  final  step,  and  no  parent  was  harsh 
enough  to  graft  his  unwilling  stock  on  O'lwa's  persimmon  trees. 
The  girl  was  clever  enough  to  know  this.  It  was  Hoei  6th  year 
(1709)  and  she  was  now  twenty-six  years  old.  It  was  indirectly 
at  her  suggestion  that  Matazaemon  sought  the  aid  of  Kondo 
Rokurobei.  This  man  lived  just  behind  the  large  inclosure  of  the 
Sainenji,  on  the  hill  slope  which  dips  steeply  down  to  the  Samega- 
bashi.  The  relationship  was  very  distant  at  best ;  but  with  nearer 
relatives  in  general,  and  with  Yoemon  his  brother  in  particular, 
the  master  of  Tamiya  had  deadly  feud.  To  them  he  would  not 
turn  to  find  a  husband  for  O'lwa. 

Thus  it  happened  that  one  day  in  the  seventh  month  (August) 

Rokurobei  was  awaiting  the  appearance  of  Yamada  Chobei.     He 

really  knew  little  about  the  man,  but  Chobei  at  one  time  had  been 

resident  in  the  ward.     He  had  undergone  vicissitudes,  and  now 

5 


66  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

was  a  dealer  in  metals  and  a  kind  of  broker  in  everything  under 
the  sign  of  Musashiya.  He  had  a  wide  acquaintance  over  Edo 
in  his  different  businesses,  and  was  the  easy  and  slip-shod  means 
by  which  Rokurobei  would  avoid  the  more  arduous  part  of  the 
task  laid  on  him  by  Matazaemon.  Chobei  was  not  long  in  put- 
ting in  an  appearance.  All  affairs  were  gifts  of  the  gods  to  a 
man  who  lived  on  wind.  Kazaguruma  Chobei — Windmill  Chobei 
— he  was  called.  His  flittings  were  so  noiseless  and  erratic,  just 
like  the  little  paper  windmills  made  for  children,  that  the  nick- 
name applied  exactly  fitted  him.  The  maid  in  announcing  him 
showed  no  particular  politeness.  "  Wait  here  a  moment  .  .  . 
Danna  Sama  (master),  Chobei  San,  the  metal  dealer,  requests 
an  interview." — "Ah!  Pass  him  here  at  once.  .  .  .  Is  it 
Chobei?  Please  sit  down."  Chobei  had  followed  almost  on 
the  girl's  footsteps.  She  drew  aside  to  make  room  for  him, 
then  flirted  out  in  haste.  Poverty  and  dislike  had  no  influence 
in  Yotsuya  in  those  days.    She  seemed  to  scent  the  man. 

Chobei  looked  with  envy  at  the  comfortable  Rokurdbei.  The 
day  was  hot.  The  thin  kimono  fallen  about  his  loins,  the  latter's 
garb  was  a  pair  of  drawers  and  a  thin  shirt.  He  sat  looking  out 
on  the  garden,  with  its  shade  of  large  trees,  its  shrubbery  and 
rock  work.  Everything  was  dripping  with  the  water  indus- 
triously splashed  to  this  side  and  to  that  by  the  serving  man.  The 
tea  was  brought  and  Kondd  at  last  remembered  that  he  had 
a  guest.  As  he  turned — "  It  is  a  long  time  since  a  visit  has  been 
paid.  Deign  to  pardon  the  intrusion."  Chobei  sighed  in  making 
this  remark.  The  irony  was  lost  on  his  fat  host.  As  Rokurobei 
seemed  unwilling,  or  hardly  to  know  how  to  impart  the  subject 
concerning  which  he  had  summoned  him,  Chobei  continued — 
"  And  the  honoured  health,  is  it  good  ?  The  honoured  business, 
is  it  on  some  matter  of  moment  that  Chobei  is  summoned?" 
Rokurobei  woke  up  under  the  direct  question.  He,  too,  sighed. 
Chobei  was  noted  for  a  greed  which  inspired  fear.  For  money 
he  would  do  anything.     "  Blindman  Chobei  "  had  been  his  nick- 


THE  BUSINESS  OF  A  MARRIAGE  BROKER  67 

name  of  old  days  in  the  ward.  Kondo  remembered  this.  He 
Hked  money,  too.  It  brought  in  so  much  comfort.  He  hated  to 
part  with  comfort.  It  was  to  be  a  question  between  himself 
and  Chobei  how  much  of  his  hard-earned  commission  was  to  be 
parted  with.  This  last  thought  completely  aroused  him.  "  It  is 
a  matter  of  securing  a  nmko.  This  Rokurobei  is  the  one  charged 
with  the  task.  As  a  son-in-law  outside  the  ward  is  desired,  no  one 
has  wider  circulation  and  better  opportunities  than  Chobei  San. 
Hence  the  desire  for  a  consultation."  Chobei  whistled  inwardly. 
Outside  the  ward !  What  was  wrong  with  the  case.  Here  was 
coin  to  be  turned  up  by  the  circumspect.  "  Surely  there  are  young 
fellows  enough  in  Samoncho,  fit  to  be  muko.  Of  course  with 
impediments  .  .  ." — "It  is  the  daughter  of  Tamiya;  O'lwa 
San.  Matazaemon  Dono  has  commissioned  this  Rokurobei  to 
secure  a  muko."  Chobei  whistled  outwardly.  "  For  O'lwa 
San!  .  .  ." — "She  is  no  beauty,  as  Chdbei  evidently  knows. 
Wealth  compensates  for  other  deficiencies.  At  all  events  his  aid 
is  desired." — "For  how  much?"  Chobei  spoke  bluntly.  If 
Rokurobei  had  forgotten  Chobei,  Chobei  had  not  forgotten  Roku- 
robei. He  went  on — "  To  get  a  price  for  damaged  goods  is  no 
sinecure.  Fortunately  she  is  only  out  of  repair  on  the  surface. 
.  .  .  Say  ten  ryo?  "  Kondo  laughed  scornfully — "And  they 
call  Chobei  '  the  Blind-man  '  !*  Rather  is  it  vision  magnified.  The 
entertainment  should  be  the  reward;  with  what  Chobei  collects 
from  the  happy  bridegroom."  Chobei  replied  gravely — "  With 
such  a  wealthy  connection  the  future  of  Kondo  Dono  is  to  be 
envied.  Chobei  has  to  realize  his  future  at  once.  Not  a  ryo 
less  can  he  afford."  Plainly  he  was  in  earnest,  as  was  the  long 
conversation  which  followed.  Finally  Chobei  emerged  with  par- 
tial success,  and  half  the  sum  named  as  stipend  for  his  labours. 

He  began  them  at  once.  The  next  day  he  was  at  the  metal 
market  in  Kanda.  In  course  of  chaffering  over  wares  he  never 
bought — "  You  fellows  always  have  some  ronin  in  train ;  a  fine, 
handsome  fellow  for  whom  a  wife  is  needed.    Application  is  made. 


68  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Jinzaemon,  you  have  a  candidate." — "  Not  for  the  kind  of  wife 
Chobei  San  provides."  Those  present  laughed  loudly  at  the 
sally.  Chobei  did  not  w^ink.  He  explained.  "  No  bad  provision 
is  this  one.  Rich,  with  an  income  of  thirty  tawara,  a  fine  prop- 
erty in  reversion,  and  but  twenty-five  years  old.  The  man  there- 
fore must  be  fit  to  pose  as  a  samurai;  able  to  read  and  write,  to 
perform  official  duty,  he  must  be  neither  a  boy  nor  a  man  so  old 
as  to  be  incapable.  Come  now !  Does  no  one  come  forward  ? 
Ronin  are  to  be  had.  A  ryo  for  aid  to  this  Chobei." — "  Too 
cheap  as  an  offer,"  was  Jinzaemon's  retort.  "  A  ronin  is  one  to  be 
handled  with  care.  Those  favoured  with  acquaintance  of  the 
honoured  hushi  often  part  with  life  and  company  at  the  same 
date.  Those  without  lords  are  equally  testy  as  those  in  quarters." 
He  spoke  with  the  bluntness  of  the  true  Edokko,  the  peculiar 
product  of  the  capital ;  men  who  were  neither  farmers  nor  pro- 
vincials, but  true  descendants  of  the  men  of  the  guild  of  Band- 
zuin  Chobei.  He  jested,  but  the  subject  interested  the  crowd. 
Said  one — "  Does  Chobei  San  get  the  ryo  out  of  groom  or  bride? 
She  is  a  bold  wench,  unmarried  at  that  age ;  and  none  too  chaste 
eh,  Chobei  San?  She  will  provide  the  husband  with  wife  and 
child  to  hand,  or  in  the  making.  Or,  are  matters  the  other  way  ? 
Has  she  been  tried  and  found  wanting?  Is  she  impotent,  or  de- 
formed ;  or  is  Chobei  making  fools  of  us  ?  "  Answered  Chobei 
slowly — "  No ;  she  is  a  little  ugly.  The  face  round  and  flat, 
shining,  with  black  pock  marks,  making  it  look  like  speckled 
pumice,  rouses  suspicion  of  leprosy.  This,  however,  is  not  the 
case.  At  all  events  she  is  a  woman."  All  were  now  roaring  with 
laughter — "A  very  beauty  indeed!  Just  the  one  for  Chobei's 
trade !  Too  honied  was  his  speech.  He  would  market  anything. 
But  in  this  market  it  is  a  matter  of  hard  cash ;  without  credit. 
This  is  a  bit  of  goods  too  wilted.  Even  Chobei  cannot  sell  it." — 
"You  lie!"  said  Chobei  in  a  towering  passion.  "At  the  first 
hint  of  ill-fortune  threatening  wine  supply  or  pleasure,  there  is  not 
one  of  you  who  would  not  turn  to  Chobei  to  find  the  money  needed. 


THE  BUSINESS  OF  A  MARRIAGE  BROKER  69 

Sisters,  daughters,  wives,  aunts  .  .  .  mothers  are  for  sale." 
He  was  choking  with  rage.  "  Sell  her?  Chobei  can  and  will." 
Angered  by  the  final  item  on  his  family  list,  a  man  nearby  gave 
him  a  sharp  poke  in  the  back.  Others  voiced  resentment,  perhaps 
would  have  given  it  material  form.  The  canal  was  spoken  of. 
Chdbei  took  the  hint.  He  did  not  wait  for  a  ducking.  At  a  sharp 
pace  he  trotted  off  toward  his  tenement  at  Asakusa  Hanagawado. 
For  a  while  he  would  avoid  the  metal  market.  He  regretted  his 
display  of  temper.  It  was  in  the  necessities  of  other  trades  that 
he  fovmd  the  material  of  his  own,  and  flourished. 

In  plain  terms  Kazaguruma  Chobei  was  a  pimp  for  the  Yoshi- 
wara  and  kindred  quarters.  His  other  occupations  were  mere 
channels  accessory  to  this  main  business.  Hence  his  seasons  of 
increase  and  decline.  Just  now  he  was  in  a  period  of  decline.  His 
eagerness  in  this  Tamiya  affair  was  sharpened.  Pushing  his  way 
through  the  Kuramae  of  Asakusa  suddenly  a  hopeful  light  came 
into  his  eye.  Abruptly  he  made  his  way  to  the  side  of  the  road- 
way. Here  boarding  covered  the  ditch,  removing  the  occupant  of 
a  booth  erected  thereon,  and  would-be  clients,  from  the  passing 
stream  of  humanity.  There  was  a  table  in  the  booth,  and  on  it 
were  several  books,  a  vessel  containing  water,  brushes  (fiide), 
scrolls  for  writing,  and  a  box  containing  divining  sticks.  It  was 
the  stand  of  a  strolling  fortune-teller.  At  the  time  the  occupant 
was  engaged  in  gathering  together  his  professional  apparatus,  with 
the  evident  purpose  to  decamp.  Chdbei  did  not  delay  in  accosting 
him.  "  Ah!  The  Sensei ;  ^  Kazuma  Uji  finds  the  day  too  hot  to 
pry  into  the  future.  Does  the  Sensei  leave  his  clients  to  their  fate, 
or  have  the  clients  abandoned  the  Sensei?  Deign  to  come  along 
with  Chobei.  Perhaps  he,  too,  can  tell  fortunes.  At  all  events 
the  wife  has  been  forewarned ;  the  bath  is  ready.    It  will  put  life 

^  The  title  for  all  men  of  learning  and  professional  attainments. 
The  great  medical  doctor  is  "  Sensei,"  the  doctor  of  literature  is 
"  Sensei  " — and  the  charlatan  who  peddles  charms  by  the  highway  is 
"  Sensei  "-teacher. 


70  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

into  both  of  us."  The  young  man  laughed  and  hastened  his  opera- 
tions, nodding  assent — "  Thanks  are  felt,  Chobei  San.  Indeed 
this  Kazuma  has  but  to  continue  the  art  of  prophecy  if  he  would 
foretell  his  own  fate.  No  one  will  buy  the  future  when  money 
is  so  needed  for  the  present.  Besides  this  is  a  pleasure  ground. 
Men  have  no  hankering  to  learn  of  possible  worse  luck  than  being 
here.  All  the  fools  have  died — except  their  prophet."  He  shoul- 
dered his  scanty  apparatus,  and  with  rapid  stride  the  two  men 
pushed  their  way  up  the  crowded  street  toward  the  great  gate  of 
the  temple.  In  his  haste  Chobei  yet  had  time  to  eye,  from  time  to 
time,  his  companion,  always  gaining  encouragement  from  the  pal- 
pable seediness  made  more  plain  by  a  handsome  person.  The 
two  were  neighbours  in  a  house-row  (nagaya)  of  the  Hanaga- 
wado,  that  poverty-stricken  district  along  the  river  close  to  the 
great  amusement  ground,  and  furnishing  those  who  perform  its 
baser  tasks.  On  arrival  Chobei  called  out — "  O'Taki !  O'Taki ! 
The  bath,  is  it  ready  ?  The  Sensei,  Kazuma  San,  honours  us  with 
his  company.  Make  all  ready  for  his  reception.  .  .  .  Sensei, 
condescend  to  enter ;  please  come  up." 

Yanagibara  Kazuma  dropped  his  clogs  in  the  vestibule.  As  he 
entered  the  room — "  Pray  pardon  the  intrusion.  This  Kazuma 
feels  much  in  the  way.  He  is  continually  putting  his  neighbours 
of  the  nagaya  to  inconvenience ;  too  great  the  kindness  of  Chobei 
San  and  wife."  O'Taki  laughed  deprecatingly.  Truly  this  was 
a  handsome  young  man.  In  this  6th  year  of  Hoei  (1709)  Yanagi- 
bara Kazuma  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  O'Taki  was  thirty 
odd.  She  appreciated  masculine  beauty  all  the  more.  Chdbei 
grunted  from  heat  and  the  merest  trace  of  discomfiture.  He 
had  his  limit,  even  in  his  business.  Quickly  he  shook  off  his 
kimono,  and  fan  in  hand  squatted  in  his  loin  cloth.  "  Ah !  'Tis 
hot  beyond  endurance.  Business  is  bad — from  Yoshiwara  to 
Yotsuya."  O'Taki  looked  up  at  the  last  word.  He  continued — 
"  The  Sensei  takes  precedence.  Kazuma  Uji,  deign  to  enter  the 
bath.     All  is  ready?"     His  wife  nodded  assent.     Kazuma   fol- 


THE  BUSINESS  OF  A  MARRIAGE  BROKER  71 

lowed  the  example  of  Chobei.  In  a  trice  he  was  naked  as  his 
mother  bore  him.  Chobei  burst  out  into  phrases  of  admiration — 
"  What  a  splendid  fellow  !  Ah  !  Waste  of  material !  If  a  woman 
Kazuma  San  would  be  a  fortune  to  himself  and  to  Chobei.  .  .  . 
Taki,  note  the  skin  of  the  Sensei.  It  has  the  texture  of  the  finest 
paper.  How  regrettable !  "  He  drew  back  for  the  better  inspec- 
tion of  the  sum  total  of  his  subject's  charms.  O'Taki  drew  closer 
for  the  same  purpose.  Chdbei  sighed — "  It  is  plain  enough  that 
Kazuma  San  is  not  a  woman.  An  error  of  Nature !  Somehow 
the  age  at  which  a  woman  becomes  of  use,  is  that  at  which  a  boy 
becomes  a  mere  burden.  He  is  fit  for  nothing  but  to  be  a  story- 
teller. .  .  .  And  you,  Taki,  what  are  you  about?  "  The  lady 
of  his  afifections  was  far  advanced  in  the  process  of  disrobing. 
She  protested.  "  Does  not  the  Sensei  need  aid  in  the  bath?  How 
cleanse  the  back,  the  shoulders.  This  Taki  would  aid  him." — 
"  Immodest  wench !  "  bellowed  Chobei.  "  The  Sensei  needs  no 
such  aid.  "  Why !  You  .  .  .  Taki  .  .  .  one  would  take 
you  for  a  charcoal  ball  (tadon),  so  dark  your  skin.  Nay!  For 
two  of  them,  for  a  cluster  piled  in  a  box,  so  round  the  buttocks 
and  belly.  The  Sensei  wants  no  aid  from  such  an  ugly  jade.  This 
Chdbei  can  do  what  is  needed ;  with  as  much  skill  and  better  pur- 
pose than  a  woman."  Kazuma  modestly  interposed  in  this  incip- 
ient quarrel  between  husband  and  wife.  "  Nay,  the  matter  is  of 
no  importance.  Kazuma  is  grateful  for  such  kindness,  but  aid 
is  not  needed.  His  arm  is  long."  He  held  it  out,  almost  simian 
in  proportion  and  slenderness,  the  one  proportional  defect  of  this 
handsome  body.  The  quarrel  of  Chobei  and  O'Taki  lapsed  before 
his  pleasant  smile. 

Seated  over  tea  said  Chobei — "  This  Chobei,  too,  has  claimed 
to  be  a  diviner.  Don't  deny  it.  The  Sensei  at  one  time  has  been  a 
priest."  Kazuma  looked  at  him  with  surprise,  even  misgiving. 
Explained  Chobei — "  The  manner  in  which  the  Sensei  takes  up 
the  cup  betrays  him;  in  both  hands,  with  a  little  waving  of  the 
vessel  and  shake  of  the  head.    The  rust  of  the  priest's  garb  clings 


72  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

close."  Said  Kazuma — "  Chobei  San  is  a  clever  fellow.  It  is 
true.  At  one  time  I  was  priest." — "  Whereabouts?  "  asked  Chobei. 
"  At  the  Reigan  of  Fukagawa,"  replied  the  prophet — "  Ah !  Rei- 
ganji ;  and  later  would  return  to  the  life  of  a  Samurai.  Such  pose 
and  manner  possessed  by  the  Sensei  are  only  gained  in  good  com- 
pany. He  would  reassume  the  status.  This  Chobei  was  not 
always  as  he  is.  Wine,  women,  gambling,  have  brought  him  to 
pimping.  The  buying  of  geisha  and  joro  cost  the  more  as  they 
imply  the  other  two  vices.  Wife,  status,  fortune;  all  are  gone. 
Such  has  been  Chobei's  fate." — "  Not  the  only  case  of  the  kind," 
grumbled  his  partner  in  concubinage.  "  And  the  wife,  what  has 
become  of  her?" — "  None  of  Taki's  affair,  as  she  is  no  longer 
an  issue.  Would  the  jade  be  jealous?"  He  glowered  at  her. 
"  But  Kazuma  San,  this  Chobei  is  not  only  diviner,  to  tell  for- 
tunes. He  can  make  them."  Kazuma  laughed.  "  Don't  joke. 
Chobei  San's  line  of  business  has  already  cost  this  Kazuma  for- 
tune and  position." — "To  secure  a' better  one.  Kazuma  San  is 
a  ronin  (without  lord),  a  man  of  education,  and  of  line  appear- 
ance. He  is  just  the  one  to  become  a  muko. — "  In  some  trades- 
man's family  ?  "  The  samurai  spoke  with  disdain.  Said  Chobei 
eagerly — "  No  :  Chobei  prophesied  the  return  of  Kazuma  Uji  to  his 
own  caste." — "At  what  cost?"  said  Kazuma  coolly.  "The 
honour  of  a  samurai  cannot  stand  open  taint.  Kazuma  has  no 
desire  to  cut  belly  at  too  early  a  date,  to  save  the  situation  for 
others.  Has  the  woman  erred,  and  is  the  father's  sword  dulled  ?  " 
— "  It  is  no  such  case,"  answered  Chobei.  The  parents,  rather 
grandparents,  are  fools  in  pride.  The  girl  is  twenty-five  years 
old,  rich,  and,  one  must  admit,  not  too  good  looking.  It  is  by  a 
mere  chance,  a  former  connection,  that  the  affair  comes  into 
Chobei's  hands.  As  Kazuma  Uji  knows,  it  is  not  much  in  his  line. 
Let  us  share  the  good  luck  together." — "  Is  she  a  monster ;  one 
of  those  long-necked,  pop-eyed  rokurokuhi? " — "That  can  be 
determined  at  the  meeting,"  said  the  cautious  Chobei.  "  She  is 
somewhat  pock-marked,  as  with  others.     It  is  a  matter  of  luck. 


THE  BUSINESS  OF  A  MARRIAGE  BROKER  73 

Chobei's  position  forces  him  to  fall  back  on  Kaziima  San  as  the 
only  likely  man  to  recommend.  Deign  not  to  refuse  to  come 
to  his  aid." — "  Rich,  and  granddaughter  of  people  old  in  years." 
He  eyed  Chobei  quizzically.  The  latter  nodded  agreement.  "  No 
matter  what  her  looks,  this  Kazuma  accepts  with  thanks — unless 
this  be  a  jest  of  Chobei  San."  Chobei  slightly  coughed — "  There 
is  a  commission.  .  .  ." — "  x\h !  Then  the  foundation  is  rock. 
As  to  commission,  assuredly;  Kazuma  is  not  rich,  nor  in  funds." 
— "  But  will  be.  At  ten  ryo  it  is  a  cheap  affair." — "  Agreed," 
replied  the  diviner  carelessly.  "  The  money  will  be  paid." — "  With 
the  delivery  of  the  goods."  Chobei  now  was  all  gaiety — "  Of 
the  Rokurokubi,  the  monster  with  sextuple  lengthed  neck,"  laughed 
Kazuma  Sensei  as  he  took  his  leave.  He  was  engaged  to  meet 
Chobei  the  next  day  at  the  house  of  Kondo  Rokurobei  in  Yotsuya. 


CHAPTER  VII 


lEMON  APPEARS 


In  his  difficult  mission  Kondo  Rokurobei  had  hopes  of  Chobei ; 
but  not  much  more.     It  was  with  no  small  pleasure  that  he  heard 
the  announcement  of  his  visit  the  next  morning.     The  maid  was 
a  shade  more  civil — "  Please  wait."    Kondo  was  decidedly  so.     He 
greetevd  Chobei  with  an  effusion  which  Chobei  noted.     The  tea 
brought,    the    two    men    faced   each    other   over   the    cups.      To 
Kondo's    inquiring;    look — "  Honoured    master    the    task    is    a 
difficult  one."     He  retailed  his  experience  at  the  Kanda  market. 
Kondo  was  somewhat  discomfited.    He  had  put  a  different  inter- 
pretation on  the  ea  rly  visit  of  Chobei.    Continued  the  latter — "  A 
difficult  task,    but    not  hopeless.     Surely  five  ryo  is  very  small 
remuneration."     LCondo's  eye  lit  up.     Chobei  had  his  man.     "  It 
is  all  this  Kond5  i.S  qualified  to  give.    Chobei  knows  Tamiya  Dono. 
After  all  it  is  he  who  pays,  and  Chobei  can  claim  but  his  share. 
However,  the  mat  ter  is  not  urgent.   A  bad  turn  with  Matazaemon, 
and  O'Naka  will  be  much  easier  to  deal  with     .     .     .     unless  it  be 
Yoemon  who  interposes."     He  made  a  wry  face;  joined  in  by 
Chobei.    Kondd  went  on — "  It  is  matter  of  regret  to  have  troubled 
you.    The  parents  lof  Natsume  Kyuzo  show  signs  of  breaking  off 
present  negotiations  and  coming  round  to  us.     This  is  a  matter 
of  yesterday,  and  on  hearing  that  the  affair  of  OTwa  San  was 
definitely  in  the  hands  of  Rokurobei."     Chobei  was  frightened. 
Was  this  the  cause  of  Kondo's  joy?     Had  he  misinterpreted  on 
his  entrance?     He  put  out  a  hand,  as  if  to  stop  the  talk  of  his 
host.  "  Deign  to   allow  the  money  question  to  stand  as  agreed. 
Such  step  would  put  this  Chobei  in  an  awkward  position.     The 
man  is  found,  and  soon  will  be  here.    Probably  even  Kondo  Dono 
will  be  satisfied." — "  Who  is  he?  "  asked  Kondo.—"  One  Yanagi- 
bara  Kazuma.    He  has  practised  divination  at  Asakusa     .     .     ." 
74 


IfiMON  APPEARS  75 

— "A  charlatan!  A  quack  doctor!  Chobei,  are  you  mad?" 
Rokurdbei  pushed  back  his  cushion  and  his  cue  in  horror.  Not  a 
word  did  he  say  of  Natsume  Kyuzo.  Chobei  smiled.  He  had  been 
trapped ;  but  he  had  detected  Kondo.  "  Don't  be  alarmed.  The 
man  is  a  rdnin,  his  divination  of  small  account  and  due  to  tem- 
porary stress.  Kondo  Dono  will  soon  judge  of  the  man  by  his 
appearance.  Let  the  subject  of  Kazuma  San  be  dropped — with 
that  of  Natsume  San.  Our  bargain  has  been  made  firm."  Kondo 
looked  down.  He  felt  a  little  injured.  Continued  Chobei — "  For 
his  man  Chobei  cannot  answer  if  all  be  known.  Pray  follow  my 
plan,  and  precede  us  to  the  house  of  Matazaemon.  He  must  not 
see  OTwa  at  this  juncture.  Tamiya  Dono  is  ill  and  not  visible. 
The  O'Basan  is  wise  enough  to  do  as  she  is  told.  Years  have 
drilled  that  into  her.  OTwa  has  taken  cold.  Her  hair  is  loose 
and  she  cannot  think  of  appearing.  Make  this  known  when  the 
time  comes  to  serve  the  wine.  Meanwhile  send  her  off  on  some 
mission;  to  the  house  of  Akiyama,  or  that  of  the  newly-wed 
Imaizumi." — "  But  the  man  must  see  the  girl,"  protested  Kondo. 
Answered  Chobei — "  He  must  see  the  property.  It  is  with  that 
Chobei  intends  he  shall  become  enamoured.  He  is  not  to  see 
the  girl  until  she  is  his  wife.  To  keep  the  estate  he  will  cleave  to 
the  woman.  Trust  Chobei  for  a  knowledge  of  men's  hearts 
.  .  .  at  least  that  of  Yanagibara  Kazuma."  Perhaps  he  spoke 
a  little  too  plainly.  Rokurobei  had  a  last  touch  of  conscience — 
"  Chobei,  what  manner  of  man  is  this  one  you  bring?  What  is 
his  real  nature?  Tamiya  is  upright  as  the  walls  of  the  Honmaru 
(castle).  And  Yanagibara  Kazuma  .  .  ."  Chobei's  brow 
wrinkled.  He  was  spared  an  answer.  Said  the  maid — "  Yanagi- 
bara Sama  would  see  the  master." — "  Show  him  in  at  once,"  said 
Rokurobei. 

He  rose,  as  much  in  amazement  as  in  courtesy.  Kazuma  was 
a  striking  figure  as  he  entered  the  room.  His  dress  of  white 
Satsuma  was  of  finest  quality,  and  perfectly  aligned.  The  haori 
(cloak)  was  of  the  corrugated  Akashi  crape.     In  his  girdle  he 


76  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

wore  the  narrow  swords  then  coming  into  fashion,  with  finely 
lacquered  scabbards.  In  person  he  was  tall,  fair,  with  high 
forehead  and  big  nose.  Slender  and  sinewy  every  movement  was 
lithe  as  that  of  a  cat.  Kondo  gasped  as  he  made  the  accustomed 
salutations.  "  This  man  for  O'lwa !  Bah !  A  fox  has  stolen  a 
jewel."  All  his  compunction  and  discretion  vanished  before  this 
unusual  presence.  Kazuma  gracefully  apologized  for  his  intru- 
sion, thus  uninvited.  Kondd  stammered  protests  and  his  delight 
at  the  opportunity  of  meeting  Yanagibara  Dono.  Chobei  smiled 
inward  and  outward  delight  at  thus  summarily  removing  any  too 
pointed  objections  of  Kondd.  For  absolute  self-possession  in  this 
awkward  situation  the  younger  man  easily  carried  the  palm. 
Kazuma  acted  as  would  a  man  double  his  years.  Chobei  was 
not  only  delighted,  but  astonished.  "  Whence  had  the  Sensei 
produced  all  this  wondrous  get-up?  Was  he  in  real  fact  a  magi- 
cian? Kazuma  knew,  but  he  was  not  one  to  enlighten  Chobei  or 
anyone  else.  After  talk  on  general  matters  the  affair  of  the  meet- 
ing was  broached.  Said  Kondo  Rokurobei — "  Thus  to  trouble 
Yanagibara  Dono  requires  apology,  but  the  affair  is  not  without 
advantage.  The  lady  is  the  daughter  of  Tamiya,  a  doshin  and 
favoured  by  the  Hosokawa  House.  This  Kondo  is  honoured  in 
presenting  Kazuma  Dono  in  Yotsuya." — "  Nay,  fear  enters.^ 
The  honour  of  this  meeting  with  Kondo  Dono  is  as  great  as  the 
intrusion  has  been  unseemly.  Deign  to  pardon  the  precipitancy  of 
this  Kazuma."  Kondo  protested  in  his  turn.  Said  Chobei — "  The 
presentation  made,  doubtless  the  matter  is  as  good  as  concluded. 
But  Tamiya  Dono  is  ill;  this  visit  is  unexpected.  If  Kondo  Dono 
would  deign  to  precede,  and  ascertain  how  matters  are  at  Tamiya, 

'  A  technical  social  expression  =  "  I  trouble  you  "  or  "  with  highest 
respect  and  consideration."  Satuma  =  Satsuma-Jofu,  the  grass  cloth 
of  fine  quality  woven  and  dyed  in  Loo-choo ;  narrow  swords ;  all  this 
(Momogawa)  is  an  example  of  the  earnest  study  the  kodan  lecturers 
make  of  their  subject.  These  delightful  little  expositions  of  dress  and 
inanner  are  frequent. 


IfiMON  APPEARS  77 

it  would  be  well."  To  this  Kondo  assented.  Making  his  excuses 
he  set  out  for  Samoncho,  bubbling  over  with  excitement,  and 
praying  that  the  matter  would  have  certain  issue ;  and  thus  estab- 
lish him  for  life  on  the  shoulders  of  the  wealthy  Tamiya.  Prayers  ? 
Indeed  he  did  stop  on  the  road,  one  lined  with  the  ecclesiastical 
structures.  Kondo  had  too  much  at  stake,  not  to  invoke  all 
likely  aid. 

With  his  departure  Chobei  began  to  go  into  the  externals  of 
the  House  of  Tamiya.  As  they  walked  along — "  Congenial  sur- 
roundings." This  was  with  a  grin  and  a  wave  of  the  hand  toward 
the  long  line  of  temple  buildings  and  graveyards  they  were  passing. 
"Not  much  savour  of  present  lodging  in  Hanagawado.  Eh! 
Kazuma  Uji,  even  Chobei  notes  the  difference."  He  stopped 
opposite  the  Gwanshoji  and  looked  across  the  way.  The  fruit 
was  already  formed  on  the  trees  of  Matazaemon's  garden. 
"  Persimmons  of  a  hundred  momme  (375  grammes)  each ;  twenty 
cartloads  for  the  profit  of  the  house  at  the  fall  of  the  year."  As 
they  passed  in  the  entrance  on  Samoncho  he  pointed  to  a  store- 
house. "  Stuffed  with  rice,  from  the  farms  of  Tamiya  in  Kazusa. 
No  husks  to  be  found  in  it." — "  Who  said  there  were  ?  "  said 
Kazuma  testily.  His  eyes  were  taking  in  the  wide  proportions  of 
the  garden,  the  spreading  roof  and  eaves  of  a  stately  mansion. 
As  they  passed  along  the  roka  to  a  sitting  room  Chobei  called  his 
attention  to  the  fret  work  (rania-shoji)  between  the  rooms,  the 
panelled  ceilings,  the  polished  and  rare  woodwork  of  iokonoma 
(alcoves).  A  kakemono  of  the  severe  Kano  school  was  hung  in  the 
sitting  room  alcove,  a  beautifully  arranged  vase  of  flowers  stood 
beneath  it.  Matazaemon  could  not  use  his  legs,  but  his  hands  were 
yet  active.  Of  his  visitors  he  knew  nothing;  least  of  all  of 
Chobei.  Kondo  Rokurobei  appeared.  With  him  was  an  old  lady. 
O'Naka  bowed  to  the  ground  before  the  proposed  son-in-law. 
She  was  in  a  flutter  over  the  beautiful  man  destined  for  OTwa. 
The  admirable  courtesy  of  his  manners,  the  tender  softness  of 
voice,  robbed  her  of  what  little  judgment  she  had.    Her  only  fear 


78  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

was  that  the  candidate  for  honours  and  the  Tamiya  would  escape. 

Said  Chobei — "  Asakusa  is  a  long  distance ;  the  occasion  ex- 
ceptional. Cannot  the  Ojosan  favour  us  by  pouring  the  wine?  " 
The  old  woman  hummed  and  hawed.  Kondo,  too,  seemed  put  out. 
"As  a  matter  of  fact  O'lwa  is  not  presentable.  She  has  taken 
cold,  and  just  now  is  in  bed.  Perhaps  the  O'Basan  will  urge  her 
further,  now  that  Yanagibara  Uji  is  present."  O'Naka  at  once 
rose,  like  to  an  automaton,  the  spring  of  which  has  been  pressed. 
She  disappeared,  to  return  and  repeat  her  lesson.  "  Wilful  as 
a  child !  One  would  suppose  her  such.  Illness  she  would  disre- 
gard, but  her  hair  is  not  made  up.  She  cannot  think  of  appearing 
before  company.  Truly  she  is  vexing." — "  Not  so,"  defended 
Chobei.  "  She  could  not  show  higher  regard  than  by  refusing  to 
appear  before  a  future  husband  in  careless  attire.  It  is  a  guarantee 
of  conduct  when  married.  She  is  much  to  be  commended  for  such 
respect.  All  women  like  to  appear  well.  A  man  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood, and  rice  powder  and  rouge  are  at  once  applied.  How 
neglect  such  an  elaborate  structure  as  the  hair?  Trust  Chobei's 
judgment  as  to  women." 

O'Naka  thought  that  he  spoke  well,  but  like  most  men  with 
great  conceit.  Kazuma  looked  out  towards  the  beautiful  garden. 
He  took  the  chance  to  smile,  for  he  had  soon  ascertained  that 
Kondo  knew  little  about  his  agent ;  was  in  fact  a  precipitate,  testy 
man.  However,  he  was  a  little  put  out  at  not  seeing  the  would-be 
bride.  At  an  opportunity  he  stepped  out,  to  see  more  of  the  house 
and  its  surroundings.  Chobei  came  up  to  him  as  he  stood  on  the 
roka.  His  voice  was  coaxing  and  pleading.  "  Is  it  not  a  fine 
prospect — for  Kazuma  Dono  ?  "  His  voice  hung  on  the  '  Dono.' 
"  Nay,  don't  let  escape  this  splendid  piece  of  luck.  Long  has 
Chobei  interested  himself  in  his  neighbour.  Such  a  beautiful 
exterior  should  have  a  proper  setting.  Marry  OTwa  San  and 
Kazuma  Dono  is  master  of  Tamiya.  Is  it  agreed  ?  "  Kazuma 
looked  down  in  thought.  At  his  age  there  are  ideals  of  the 
other  sex,  hard  to  put  aside.     Said  he — "  Not  to  see  the  lady. 


IfiMON  APPEARS 


79 


.  .  .  Is  she  so  horrible  ?  "  Chobei  protested.  "  Not  so  !  The 
lady  is  a  mere  item,  well  fitted  to  go  with  this  fine  house,  this 
beautiful  garden,  these  store-houses  filled  with  goods.  Look: 
Tamiya  Dono  is  a  man  of  double  rations.  The  property  has 
nagaya  for  attendants.  For  long  this  has  not  been  used.  Tamiya 
will  not  rent  it  out.  It  will  be  so  much  revenue  added  to  the  stipend 
of  the  House,  and  will  replace  the  old  man's  uncertain  income 
from  his  accomplishments  as  master  of  hanaike  and  cha-no-yu." 
Kazuma  looked  around,  following  the  pointing  finger  of  Chdbei. 
He  was  in  sad  straits.  His  only  future  was  this  position  of  a 
miiko.  No  matter  what  the  woman  might  be,  there  was  compen- 
sation.    To  Chdbei's  direct  question  he  made  answer — "  Yes." 

The  affair  of  the  marriage  suffered  no  delays.  Chobei  had 
struck  home.  Kazuma  was  so  impressed  with  the  surroundings, 
especially  after  a  return  to  his  own  miserable  quarters,  that  the 
matter  of  the  interview  took  a  minor  place  to  the  inspection  of 
his  future  property.  Within  the  week  he  had  removed  to  the 
house  of  Kondo  Rokurobei.  The  latter  introduced  him  to  his 
future  associates  in  the  ward  by  a  succession  of  fish  and  wine  din- 
ners dear  to  the  heart  of  the  men  of  Nippon.  These  neighbours 
were  astonished  at  the  future  son-in-law  of  the  Tamiya.  This 
man  was  to  be  the  husband  of  the  O'Bake?  Was  he  mad,  or 
drunk?  Perhaps  the  latter,  for  neither  themselves  nor  Kazuma 
had  the  opportunity  to  be  particularly  sober  during  this  period  of 
festivity.  Of  course  there  was  an  introduction  to  Matazaemon, 
the  other  principal  involved.  As  Kondo  carefully  explained,  no 
set  date  could  be  made  for  this  interview.  Tamiya  Dono  was  ill, 
and  to  be  seen  at  a  favourable  time.  As  ill  luck  would  have  it, 
on  the  very  day  the  interview  was  permitted  OTwa  San  received 
an  urgent  summons  from  the  Okugata  of  the  Hosokawa  House. 
This  cdulil  not  be  disregarded,  and  her  absence  on  the  second  occa- 
sion was  easily  explained  and  condoned.  Kondo  certainly  made 
no  effort,  and  Kazuma  no  suggestion,  for  a  meeting  in  the  three 
days  intervening  before  the  formal  marriage. 


80  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

At  evening  the  guests  met  in  the  reception  rooms  of  Tamiya. 
In  a  private  apartment  were  Kondd  Rokurobei  and  his  wife, 
O'lwa,  and  lemon.  The  latter  name  had  been  assumed  by 
Kazuma  on  his  formal  registration  in  the  Tamiya  House.  It  was 
Chobei  who  had  purchased  the  watahoshi,  or  wadded  hood,  of 
floss  silk  worn  by  the  bride  on  this  great  occasion  of  her  life, 
lemon  could  see  but  little  within  its  depths,  except  the  shining 
light  of  her  countenance.  Joy  perhaps?  At  least  this  curiosity 
was  soon  to  be  satisfied.  Nine  times — three  times  three — were 
the  sake  cups  drained.  Kondo  Rokurobei  joined  the  hands  of  the 
train,  exhorting  them  to  mutual  forbearance,  OTwa  to  unquestion- 
ing obedience  to  the  husband.  He  pattered  over  the  maxims  of 
the  Dojikun  of  Kaibara  Yekken  in  this  strange  case,  as  he  had 
done  twenty  times  before  with  favourable  results.  Yekken's 
book  was  comparatively  recent,  only  a  few  decades  old,  and  the 
woman's  guide.  Truly  the  position  of  the  nakodo  was  no  easy 
one,  if  it  was  to  bring  him  at  odds  with  either  House  involved. 
He  felt  complacent.  This  pair  at  least  presented  less  complications 
in  that  line  than  usual.  What  there  was  of  doubtful  issue  came 
now  to  the  test.  At  this  crisis  he  cast  an  eye  to  the  roka  (veran- 
dah) to  see  that  Chobei  really  was  at  hand  as  promised.  Then 
the  strings  of  the  zvataboslii  were  loosed.  The  hood  concealing 
the  face  of  OTwa  was  removed. 

lemon  rose  to  his  feet  as  if  impelled  by  springs;  then  hur- 
riedly he  sat  again  with  some  mumbled  excuse  and  trembling 
hands.  He  could  not  take  his  eyes  from  the  shining  white  of  the 
face  before  him,  the  glazed  smooth  surface  left  in  many  places 
between  the  black  of  the  pock  marks.  The  removal  of  the  hood 
had  somewhat  disarrayed  the  hair,  leaving  the  broad  expanse 
of  forehead  more  prominent,  the  puffed  heavy  eyelids  in  the  face 
more  conspicuous.  In  the  depths  shone  two  tiny  points,  the  eyes. 
Indeed,  as  Chobei  afterwards  described  it,  eyelids  and  eyes  had 
the  appearance  of  kuzitmanju,  the  dumplings  of  white  rice  paste 
with  the  black  dots  of  dark  brown  bean  paste  sunk  deep  in  the 


IfiMON  APPEARS  81 

centre.  Never  had  O'lwa  appeared  to  such  disadvantage.  She 
was  now  engaged  in  removing  the  white  garment,  to  appear  in  her 
proper  array  as  bride  and  wife.  lemon  took  advantage  of  this 
absence  to  step  to  the  roka.  In  leaving  the  room  Kondo  had 
given  a  wink  to  Chdbei.  lemon  ahiiost  ran  into  him.  He 
seized  him  by  the  arm.  The  young  man's  voice  was  excited.  He 
spoke  in  a  whisper,  as  one  who  could  barely  find  speech.  With 
satisfaction  Chobei  noted  that  he  was  frightened,  not  angered. 
"  What  is  that  ?  Who  is  that  creature  ?  "  were  the  first  words  of 
lemon.  Replied  Chobei  coldly — "  That  is  the  wife  of  Tamiya 
lemon;  O'lwa  San,  daughter  of  Matazaemon  Dono;  your  wife 
to  eight  thousand  generations."  Then  roughly — "  Deign,  lemon 
San,  not  to  be  a  fool.  In  the  purchase  of  cow  or  horse,  what  does 
the  buyer  know  of  the  animal?  Its  real  qualities  remain  to  be 
ascertained.  OTwa  San  is  ugly.  That  much  Chobei  will  admit. 
She  is  pock-marked,  perhaps  stoops  a  little.  But  if  the  daughter 
of  the  rich  Tamiya,  a  man  with  this  splendid  property,  had  been 
a  great  beauty,  this  lemon  would  not  have  become  the  niuko  of 
Tamiya,  the  future  master  of  its  wealth.  What  qualification  had 
he  for  such  a  position — a  diviner,  a  man  whose  pedigree  perhaps 
would  not  stand  too  much  search."  He  looked  keenly  at  lemon, 
and  noted  witJi  satisfaction  how  the  last  thrust  had  gone  home. 
Chobei  must  know  more  of  lemon,  ex-Kazuma.  He  determined 
on  that  for  the  future. 

He  continued — "  Withdrawal  at  this  juncture  would  merely 
create  scandal.  Matazaemon  is  not  so  bereft  of  friends  that  such 
a  step  would  not  cause  serious  displeasure  in  high  quarters.  The 
insult  would  find  an  avenger.  Then  consider  please :  the  old  man 
is  kept  alive  by  the  anxiety  to  see  his  granddaughter  established 
in  life,  the  line  of  the  Tamiya  assured.  He  will  die  within  the 
month.  If  the  old  woman  hangs  on  too  long" — he  halted  speech 
for  a  moment,  then  coldly — "  give  her  lizard  to  eat.  A  diviner, 
doubtless  lemon  San  knows  Kondo  Rokurobei  by  this  time.  He 
will  never  prejudice  the  man  who  holds  in  his  hands  the  purse 
6 


82  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

of  the  Tamiya.  lemon  San  and  O'lwa  San  are  left  alone.  Good 
luck  to  you,  honoured  Sir,  in  the  encounter.  In  this  Ch5bei  a 
counsellor  and  friend  always  is  to  be  found ;  and  one  by  no  means 
lacking  experience  of  the  world.  As  for  the  woman,  she  is  your 
wife;  one  to  take  charge  of  the  house  and  affairs  of  lemon  Dono 
is  to  hand.  No  other  msu  ^  could  be  found  so  earnest  in  duty 
and  so  cheap,  as  O'lwa  San.  Take  a  concubine.  This  Chobei 
will  purchase  one  for  you ;  such  a  one  as  will  be  the  object  of 
envy  and  desire  to  the  whole  of  young  Edo.  His  opportunities 
in  that  line  are  exceptional.  Come !  To  turn  on  the  lights.  On 
our  part  at  least  there  is  nothing  to  conceal."  lemon  did  not  pay 
attention  to  the  hint.  The  one  thought  harassing  him  must  out — 
"  lop-sided  and — a  leper !  "  He  spoke  with  despair  and  con- 
viction, eyes  fastened  on  Chdbei,  and  such  a  frightened  look  that 
even  Chobei  had  pity.  One  foot  in  the  room  he  turned  back. 
"  That  is  not  so — absolutely."  lemon  could  not  disbelieve  the  ear- 
nes,t  testimony.  Said  Chobei — "  The  wounds  of  smallpox  were 
no  trivial  ones.  In  healing  the  scars  were  such  in  places  as  form 
over  burns.  Hence  the  shining  surface.  Positively  there  is  no 
leprous  taint  in  Tamiya."  He  was  gratified  by  the  sigh  which 
came  from  lemon,  sign  of  the  immense  weight  lifted  off  the  young 
man's  mind.  "Bah!  leave  things  to  the  future,  and — enjoy  the 
present.  O'lwa  cannot  grow  ugly  with  age.  So  much  is  gained. 
What  difference  will  her  looks  make  to  lemon  thirty  years  hence  ? 
She  is  a  woman.  Make  a  child  on  her.  Then  you  are  free  to 
turn  elsewhere." 

At  once  he  began  to  place  lights  everywhere,  as  a  sign  to 
Kondo  that  all  was  well.  This  worthy  came  forward  with  other 
guests,  to  congratulate  the  Tamiya  House  on  being  once  more  in 
young  and. vigorous  hands.  It  was  lemon  himself  who  gave  the 
signal  to  retire.  How  matters  went  alone  with  his  bride  has 
reference  to  one  of  those  occasions  over  which  the  world  draws 

^  Riisu  or  rusuban^  caretaker  in  the  owner's  absence.  As  often  as 
not  the  wife  is  so  regarded  by  the  Japanese  husband. 


IfiMON  APPEARS  83 

the  veil  of  decency.  In  the  morning  O'lwa  arose  early  to  attend 
to  the  matutinal  needs  of  her  spouse.  The  ablutions  performed, 
lemon  sat  down  to  tea,  as  exquisite  and  exquisitely  served  as  in 
any  dream  in  literature  of  how  such  ceremony  of  the  opening  day 
should  be  performed.  Then  the  morning  meal  was  brought,  under 
the  same  supervision  of  this  woman,  as  expert  in  all  the  technique 
of  her  craft  as  she  was  ugly  in  feature ;  and  that  was  saying  much, 
lemon  watched  her  movements  in  the  room  with  curiosity,  mixed 
with  a  little  pain  and  admiration.  He  was  quick  to  note  the  skill 
with  which  she  concealed  the  slight  limp,  due  to  the  shrinking 
of  the  sinews  of  one  leg  and  causing  an  unevenness  of  gait.  It 
was  a  blemish  in  the  little  quick  movements  of  a  woman  of  surpas- 
sing grace ;  who  by  art  had  conquered  disease  and  an  ungainly 
figure. 

OTwa  had  left  the  room  for  a  moment  to  get  flowers  to  place 
in  the  vases,  offering  to  the  hotokc  (Spirits  of  the  departed)  in  the 
Butsudan.  On  his  return  lemon  held  the  ihai  (memorial  tablets) 
in  his  hands.  A  priest,  these  had  at  once  attracted  his  notice. 
"  Kangetsu  Shinshi;  Kangetsu  Shimmyo;  OTwa  San,  these  people 
have  died  on  the  same  day  of  the  month — and  the  year?  " — "  Is 
on  the  back  of  the  ihai,"  rephed  OTwa.  "  No;  it  is  not  a  case  of 
suicide  together."  Then  seeing  his  evident  curiosity  she  motioned 
him  to  sit  as  she  poured  tea,  ready  for  a  long  story.  With 
its  progress  voice  and  manner  grew  more  strained  and  earnest. 
She  never  took  her  eyes  from  the  tatami  (mats).  "The  tablets 
are  those  of  the  father  and  mother  of  this  Iwa.  My  mother's 
name  was  Mino.  Daughter  of  Tamiya  she  acted  badly  with 
my  father  Densuke,  a  mere  servant  in  the  house.  This  Densuke 
was  a  good  man,  but  his  status  of  chugen  made  my  grandfather 
very  angry.  He  drove  the  twain  from  the  house.  Thus  de- 
prived of  means  to  live,  my  father  took  a  position  as  cook  in  the 
yashiki  of  a  great  noble.  Here  he  was  frightened  into  becoming 
the  tool  of  a  very  wicked  man.  Having  killed  an  usurer  this  man 
forced  my  father  to  dispose  of  the  body  under  penalty  of  death 


84  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

if  he  refused.    The  body  being  placed  in  a  cloth,  my  father  had 
carried  it  to  his  house.     During  his  short  absence  my  mother's 
curiosity  led  her  into  untying  the  bundle.     Her  screams  aroused 
the  neighbourhood.    As  they  entered  she  was  seized  with  convul- 
sions, and  gave  birth  to  this  Iwa,  thus  brought  into  the  world 
together  with  the  exposure  of  the  crime.     My  father,  doubtless 
warned  by  the  crowd,  fled  from  Edo.    My  mother  had  but  time  to 
tell  her  story  to  the  kcnshi.     Then  she  died.    A  year  later  to  the 
■  day  my  father's  dead  body  was  found  floating  in  the  castle  moat, 
near  the  town  of  Yuki  in  Shimosa.     A  beggar  man,  but  little  in- 
quiry was  made  into  the   crime.     For  long  the   cause  and  the 
criminal  were  unknown.     Then  a  banto  was  robbed  in  the  Shiba 
Kiridoshi ;  his  companion  was  killed.    The  criminals  were  traced, 
and  on  confession  were  put  to  death.     The  leader  and  most  wicked 
of  them  also  confessed  to  the  murder  of  the  usurer  Jusuke  and 
to  that  of  my  father  Densuke.     My  father  had  met  him  again 
in  Yijki  town,  and  had  aroused  in  him  fear  of  denunciation  of 
past  crimes.     He  spoke  of   '  this  Densuke  '   as   a  superstitious, 
haunted  fool ;  thus  in  his  wickedness  regarding  my  father's  re- 
morse and  desire  to  clear  up  the  strange  affair.    The  execution  of 
this  man  removed  all  chance  of  my  avenging  the  deaths  of  father 
and  mother  on  himself.     But  he  has  left  behind  a  son.     The  one 
wish  of  this  Iwa  is  to  meet  with  Kichitaro ;  to  avenge  on  him  the 
wickedness  of  his  father  Takahashi  Daihachiro."     lemon  at  first 
had  followed  in  idle  mood  her  story.     With  the  development  of 
the  details  he  showed  an  attention  which  grew  in  intensity  at  every 
stage.     With  the  mention  of  the  name  of  Takahashi  Daihachiro 
he  gave  a  violent  start.     Yanagibara  Kazuma,  lemon  Tamiya — 
what  were  these  but  names  to  cover  this  Kichitaro,  the  one-time 
priest  My5shin  of  the  Joshinji  at  Reigan  Fukagawa,  and  son  of 
Daihachiro. 

Strange  was  this  retributory  fate  which  had  brought  these 
two  into  the  most  intimate  relations  of  husband  and  wife.  When 
lemon  could  control  his  voice  he  said — "  That  O'lwa  San  should 


l£MON  APPEARS  85 

have  this  feehng  in  reference  to  the  wicked  Daihachiro  can  be 
understood.  But  why  such  hatred  toward  this  Kichitaro  ?  Surely 
the  boy  is  not  to  be  held  guilty  of  the  father's  offence !  " — "  That 
is  a  man's  way  of  reasoning,"  answered  O'lwa.  "  A  woman, 
ignorant  and  foolish,  has  but  her  feelings  to  consult.  To  seven 
births  this  Iwa  will  clutch  and  chew  the  wicked  son  of  a  wicked 
father.  Against  Kichitaro  is  the  vow  made."  She  raised  her  head, 
lemon  turned  away  shuddering.  She  had  aged  into  a  hag.  The 
shining  face,  the  marks  like  black  spots  in  pumice  standing  out, 
the  mere  dots  of  eyes  in  their  puffy  bed,  the  spreading  mouth  with 
its  large  shining  teeth — all  turned  the  plain  gentle  girl  into  a  very 
demon.  The  certainty,  the  intensity,  of  a  malignant  hate  was 
driven  into  lemon.  He  was  so  frightened  that  he  even  nodded 
assent  to  her  last  words.  The  gentle  voice  of  O'lwa  added — 
"  Iwa  is  ugly ;  perhaps  annoys  by  the  tale.  Leave  the  affair  to 
her  and  to  the  enemy.  To  lemon  she  is  bound  for  two  existences. 
Deign  to  drop  all  formality;  call  her  Iwa,  and  condescend  to 
regard  her  with  affection."  And  lemon  covenanted  with  himself 
so  to  do.  The  present  should  compensate  for  the  past.  But  in 
the  days  which  followed  O'lwa  sat  on  him  as  a  nightmare.  He 
felt  the  impress  of  her  teeth  at  his  throat,  and  would  wake  up 
gasping.  Time  made  the  situation  familiar.  He  carefully  lulled 
her  into  a  blind  admiration  and  belief  in  her  husband  lemon. 
There  seemed  no  likelihood  of  O'lwa  learning  the  truth ;  or  beHev- 
ing  it,  if  she  did.^ 

^  Reiganji,  the  great  temple  giving  the  name  to  the  Reigan  district 
of  Fukagawa,  is  one  of  the  many  temples  there  found.  The  Joshinji  is 
close  by. 


CHAPTER  VIII 

IF  OLD   ACQUAINTANCE   BE   FORGOT 

Matazaemon's  illness  justified  all  the  predictions  of  Chdbei. 
In  the  course  of  the  month  it  was  plain  that  his  last  hold  on  life 
was  rapidly  weakening.  In  that  time  lemon  had  won  golden 
opinions  from  household  and  neighbours.  His  face  was  beautiful, 
and  this  they  saw.  His  heart  was  rotten  to  the  core,  and  this  he 
kept  carefully  concealed.  The  incentive  of  his  fear  of  OTwa  kept 
up  the  outward  signs  of  good-will.  He  found  this  easier  with  the 
passage  of  the  days.  Plain  as  she  was  in  face  and  figure,  no  one 
could  help  being  attracted  by  the  goodness  of  OTwa's  disposition, 
lemon,  in  his  peculiar  situation,  placed  great  hopes  on  this,  even 
if  discovery  did  take  place.  Day  following  day  he  began  to  dis- 
count this  latter  contingency.  To  a  feeling  of  half  liking,  half 
repugnance,  was  added  a  tinge  of  contempt  for  one  so  wrapped 
in  her  immediate  surroundings,  whose  attention  was  so  wholly 
taken  up  with  the  matter  in  hand.  She  easily  could  be  kept  in 
ignorance,  easily  be  beguiled. 

One  day  lemon  was  summoned  to  the  old  man's  bedside.  He 
was  shocked  at  the  change  which  had  taken  place  in  a  few  hours. 
Propped  upon  pillows  Matazaemon  would  speak  a  few  last  words. 
With  a  shade  of  his  old  impertinent  official  smile  and  manner — 
"  The  Tamiya  is  to  be  congratulated  on  its  great  good  fortune 
in  the  entrance  of  one  so  well  qualified  by  appearance  and  manners 
to  uphold  its  reputation.  Deign,  honoured  Muko  San,  to  accept 
the  thanks  of  this  Matazaemon.  All  else  has  been  placed  in  the 
hands  of  lemon — goods,  reputation,  granddaughter."  lemon 
bowed  flat  in  acknowledgment  and  protest  at  the  good-will  ex- 
pressed. Continued  Matazaemon — "  There  is  one  matter  close  to 
the  old  man's  heart.  Concerning  that  he  would  make  his  last 
86 


IF  OLD  ACQUAINTANCE  BE  FORGOT  87 

request  to  the  admirable  heart  of  lemon.  Iwa  is  a  plain  girl.  The 
end  of  time  for  man,  and  the  carping  comment  of  neighbours  come 
to  his  ears,  have  opened  the  eyes  of  Matazaemon  to  the  truth. 
Great  has  been  the  favour  in  disregarding  this  plainness  and  taking 
her  to  wife.  Everything  is  in  the  hands  of  lemon  San.  Consider 
her  happiness  and  deign  to  use  her  well.  Abstain  if  possible  from 
taking  a  concubine.  At  all  events  conceal  the  fact  from  Iwa,  if  it 
be  deigned  to  keep  such  company.  Plainness  and  jealousy  go 
together.  Faithful  and  upright,  such  a  disposition  as  hers  is  not 
to  be  strained  on  that  point.  She  would  be  very  unhappy.  Better 
the  light  women  of  Shinjuku  Nakacho,  than  one  who  takes  the 
place  of  the  wife.  Condescend  to  remember  this  last  request  of 
Tamiya  Matazaemon."  He  clasped  the  hand  of  lemon,  and  tears 
were  in  his  eyes  as  he  spoke.  lemon,  too,  was  affected.  It  almost 
frightened  him  to  be  left  alone  with  OTwa.  "  Deign  not  to  con- 
sider such  unlikely  contingency.  The  amiability  of  OTwa  is  com- 
pensation for  the  greatest  beauty.  Who  could  think  of  injuring  her 
in  any  way?  Perhaps  a  child  soon  will  be  the  issue.  With  this  in 
mind  condescend  to  put  aside  all  gloomy  thoughts.  Concentrate 
the  honoured  will  on  life,  and  complete  recovery  to  health  will 
follow.  Such,  indeed,  is  the  daily  prayer  of  this  lemon  at  the 
Myogyoji." 

Matazaemon  smiled  faintly — with  gratification  or  grimness? 
Perhaps  death  unseals  the  vision.  Often  indeed  did  lemon  present 
himself  at  the  family  temple;  he  the  substitute  for  the  Master  of 
Tamiya.  But  as  often  did  his  feet  return  by  the  diametrically 
opposite  direction,  running  the  gauntlet  of  the  charms  of  the  frail 
beauties  of  Nakacho.  lemon  held  on  to  the  hand  of  Matazaemon, 
swearing  and  forswearing  himself  with  the  greatest  earnestness 
and  the  best  of  intentions.  Suddenly  he  raised  his  head.  The 
emotion  aroused  by  the  interview  had  been  too  much  for  the  old 
man's  fluttering  heart.  His  head  had  slipped  down  sideways  on 
the  pillow.  A  little  stream  of  dark  bitter  refuse  flowed  from  the 
mouth  and  choked  him.     He  was  dead. 


88  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Great  was  the  grief  of  wife  and  grandchild;  great  was  the  im- 
portance of  lemon,  now  in  very  fact  Master  of  Tamiya.  Whether 
or  not  he  followed  the  advice  of  Chobei,  and  gave  the  old  woman 
tokage  (lizard)  ;  whether  her  constant  small  journeys  to  the  houses 
of  neighbours,  reciting  a  litany  of  praise  of  this  wondrous  son- 
in-law  ;  whether  the  loss  of  the  companion  of  so  many  years  wore 
out  the  feeble  frame;  it  is  fact  that  O'Naka  followed  her  lord 
before  the  maple  leaf  turned  red.  Again  the  Tamiya  was  the 
scene  of  the  funereal  chanting  of  the  priest.  The  corpse  removed 
with  the  provision  for  the  guests  and  watchers  at  the  wake,  the 
seventh  night  of  the  death  observed,  with  this  removal  of  the 
deceased  spirit  from  the  scenes  of  its  former  activities  lemon  could 
turn  himself  without  impediment  to  the  life  of  the  future.  Out- 
ward change  there  was  none.  He  was  the  same  kind  and  affection- 
ate husband  as  of  former  days.  Neighbours,  anticipating  some 
change  of  manner,  were  still  louder  in  their  praises.  One  day 
there  appeared  at  Tamiya  two  intimates,  Natsume  Kyuzo  and 
Imaizumi  Jinzaemon.  "lemon  Uji,  a  matter  of  importance  presses. 
We  are  on  our  way  to  the  ward  head,  ltd  Kwaiba  Dono.  Deign 
to  go  in  company.  You  are  known  to  be  an  expert  at  go,^  a  game 
at  which  the  old  man  prides  himself  for  skill.  He  chafes  at  the 
presence  of  this  unknown  rival,  heard  of  but  not  yet  tested.  A 
dinner  and  wine  are  at  stake.  Without  lemon  Uji  we  do  not  dare 
to  present  ourselves.  Condescend  to  go  in  company.  To  know 
the  great  man  of  the  ward,  the  wealthy  Ito  Kwaiba,  is  of  advantage 
even  to  Tamiya."  lemon  laughed  and  assented.  He  was  soon 
dressed  for  the  greater  ceremony  of  a  first  visit.  All  three 
climbed  down  into  their  clogs,  and  set  out  for  the  house  of  the 
Kumi-gashira  near  Samega-bashi. 

If  lemon  had  been  impressed  by  the  wealth  of  Tamiya,  he  felt 
insignificant  before  that  of  the  head  of  Yotsuya.  Ito  Kwaiba  was 
a  man  of  sixty-four  years,  retaining  much  of  the  vigour  of  his 
youth.    For  the  past  ten  years  he  had  added  go  to  his  twin  passions 

^  A  complicated  checkers-chess  like  game. 


IF  OLD  ACQUAINTANCE  BE  FORGOT        89 

for  wine  and  women,  neither  of  which  seemed  to  have  made  any 
impression  on  a  keenness  of  sight  which  could  read  the  finest  print 
by  the  scanty  Hght  of  an  oiidon,  teeth  which  could  chew  the  hard 
and  tough  dried  mochi  (rice  paste)  as  if  bean  confection,  and  an 
activity  of  movement  never  to  be  suspected  from  his  somewhat 
heavy  frame.  At  the  name  of  Tamiya  he  looked  up  with  much  curi- 
osity, and  lemon  thought  his  greeting  rather  brusque.  He  saluted 
with  great  respect — "  Truly  fear  is  inspired.  For  long  no  visit  has 
been  paid  to  the  honoured  head.  Coming  thus  without  invitation 
is  very  rude.  Intrusion  is  feared."—"  Nay !  Nay !  "  replied 
Kwaiba,  apparently  attracted  by  the  splendid  externals  of  lemon. 
"The  failure  to  visit  is  reciprocal.  In  fact,  Tamiya  and  this  Kwaiba 
have  been  at  odds  these  many  years.  Visits  had  altogether  ceased. 
This,  however,  is  no  matter  for  the  younger  generation.  But 
lemon  San  is  indeed  a  fine  fellow.  So  Kwaiba  had  heard  from 
all  he  met.  Ah !  A  fellow  to  put  all  the  girls  in  a  flutter.  He 
is  the  very  image  of  this  Kwaiba  in  younger  years.  The  husbands 
were  little  troubled  when  he  was  around.  The  fair  ones  were 
attracted.  Well,  well :  they  all  had  their  turn  at  Kwaiba ;  and 
Kwaiba  has  stood  the  pace.  He  is  as  good  to-day  as  ever;  in 
some  ways.  .  .  .  And  it  is  a  man  like  lemon  San  who  has 
married  the— lady  of  Tamiya."  lemon  knew  the  term  "  O'Bake  " 
had  nearly  slipped  out.  Knowing  OTwa's  attractiveness  of  tem- 
perament, feeling  touched  in  his  own  conceit,  this  astonished  and 
satirical  reception  he  met  with  on  every  side  nettled  him  more 
than  a  little.  Perhaps  Kwaiba  noted  it.  With  greatest  unction 
he  urged  a  cushion  and  at  once  changed  the  subject.  "  lemon  San 
is  noted  as  a  go  player.  This  Kwaiba  is  a  mere  amateur.  It  is  for 
him  to  ask  odds  in  making  request  for  a  game.  .  .  .  Ho ! 
Heigh  !  The  go  board  and  stones  !  " 

Kwaiba  and  lemon  were  the  antagonists.  Natsume  and  Imai- 
zumi  sat  at  the  sides  of  the  board.  Kwaiba,  confident  in  his 
powers,  readily  accepted  the  deprecatory  answer  of  lemon  at  its 
face  value.    The  game  was  to  be  on  even  terms.    lemon  really  was 


90  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

an  expert  of  the  sixth  grade ;  certainly  of  several  grades  superior- 
ity to  Kwaiba.-  The  latter's  brows  knit  as  his  position  rapidly 
became  imperilled.  Natsume  was  in  a  ferment.  Fish  or  wine? 
If  lemon  sought  Kwaiba's  favour  by  a  preliminary  sound  thrash- 
ing at  his  favourite  game,  the  prospects  of  either  were  small. 
He  dropped  his  tobacco  pipe.  In  picking  it  up  he  gave  the  but- 
tocks of  lemon  a  direct  and  severe  pinch.  lemon  was  too  aston- 
ished to  cry  out.  His  ready  mind  sought  a  motive  for  this  unex- 
pected assault  and  pain.  The  face  of  Natsume  was  unmoved, 
that  of  Imaizumi  anxious.  A  glance  at  Kwaiba's  attitude  en- 
lightened him.  Politeness  and  a  dinner  were  at  stake.  Even 
Natsume  and  Imaizumi  wondered  and  admired  at  what  followed. 
The  blunder  of  lemon  was  a  stroke  of  genius,  the  inspiration 
of  an  expert  player.  It  was  a  slight  blunder,  not  obvious  to  the 
crudeness  of  Kwaiba ;  but  it  opened  up  the  whole  of  lemon's 
position  and  put  the  game  in  his  antagonist's  hands.  Kwaiba 
promptly  seized  ^he  advantage.  His  triumphant  glance  shifted 
continually  from  lemon  to  the  onlookers,  as  the  former  struggled 
bravely  with  a  desperate  position.  Kwaiba  won  this  first  game 
somewhat  easily.  A  second  he  lost  by  a  bare  margin.  In  the 
third  he  scored  success  in  a  manner  to  make  evident  his  superior- 
ity over  a  really  expert  player.  Confident  in  his  championship 
of  the  ward,  he  was  all  geniality  as  at  the  end  he  sorted  and  swept 
back  the  go  stones  into  their  polished  boxes.  "  Go-ishi  of  Shingu  ; 
soft  as  a  woman's  hands.  But  never  mind  the  sex.  Now  for  fish 
and  wine.  .  .  .  However,  Hana  can  serve  the  liquor  for  us." 
To  the  servant — :"  Heigh !  Some  refreshments  for  the  honoured 
guests ;  and  convey  the  request  of  Kwaiba  to  O'Hana  San,  to  be 
present." 

With  the  wine  appeared  O'Hana  San.  She  was  a  beautiful 
girl.  Of  not  more  than  twenty  years,  on  the  graceful  sloping 
shoulders  was  daintily  set  a  head  which  attracted  attention  and 
admiration.     The  face  was  a  pure  oval — of  the  uri  or  melon,  as 

^  There  are  nine  of  these  stages  of  skill. 


IF  OLD  ACQUAINTANCE  BE  FORGOT        91 

the  Nipponese  class  it — with  high  brow,  and  was  framed  in  long 
hair  gathered  below  the  waist  and  reaching  nearly  to  her  ankles 
with  its  heavy  luxuriant  mass.  She  was  dressed  for  the  hot  season 
of  the  year  in  a  light  coloured  Akashi  crape,  set  off  by  an  obi 
or  broad  sash  of  peach  colour  in  which  were  woven  indistinct 
and  delicate  wavy  designs.  The  sleeves,  drawn  a  little  back, 
showed  the  arms  well  up  to  the  shoulder.  Glimpses  of  a  beauti- 
fully moulded  neck  and  bosom  appeared  from  time  to  time  as  she 
moved  here  and  there  in  her  preparation  of  the  service  of  the 
wine  utensils.  The  delicate  tissue  of  the  dress  seemed  to  caress 
the  somewhat  narrow  hips  of  a  girlish  figure.  Every  movement 
was  studied  and  graceful.  This  O'Hana  had  belonged  to  the 
Fukadaya  at  Yagura  no  Shita  of  Fukagawa.  She  had  been  what 
is  known  as  an  ohitsuke  harlot,  wearing  the  ohi  in  the  usual  form, 
without  the  loose  overrobe  or  shikake  of  the  common  women. 
"In  the  period  of  Temp5  (1830-1843)  all  Fukagawa  harlots 
were  dressed  in  this  manner."  Attracted  by  her  beauty  old 
Kwaiba  had  ransomed  her  and  made  her  his  concubine.  For 
nearly  two  years  she  had  held  this  position  in  his  house.  In  serving 
the  wine  she  came  to  the  front  and  knelt  before  lemon  as  first 
to  receive  it.  In  handing  him  the  tray  with  the  cup  she  looked 
into  his  face.  The  start  on  the  part  of  both  was  obvious.  Some 
of  the  wine  was  spilled. 

Said  Kwaiba — "Then  lemon  Uji,  you  know  this  woman?" 
His  tone  was  hard  and  truculent.  It  conveyed  the  suspicion  of 
the  jealous  old  male.  lemon's  former  profession  stood  him  in 
good  stead.  He  had  a  glib  tongue,  and  no  intention  to  deny  what 
had  been  made  perfectly  obvious — "  It  is  fact,  and  nothing  to  be 
ashamed  of  on  the  part  of  lemon ;  except  as  to  attendant  conditions 
beyond  control.  I  was  a  diviner  on  the  public  highway." — "  So 
'twas  heard,"  grumbled  Kwaiba.  "  Without  customers,  and  with 
no  use  for  the  diviner's  lens  but  to  charr  the  rafters  of  the  garret 
in  which  you  lived."  lemon  did  not  care  to  notice  the  attack.  He 
merely  said — "  Deign  not  to  find  amusement  in  what  really  is  a 
serious  matter  to  one  who  has  to  suffer  poverty.     While  seated 


92  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

at  the  diviner's  stand  attention  was  drawn  by  a  girl  coming  down 
the  Kuramae.  Slouching  along  close  by  her  was  a  drunken 
samurai.  From  time  to  time  he  lurched  entirely  too  close  to  her. 
Turning  unexpectedly  her  sunshade  caught  in  his  haori  (cloak), 
which  thereby  was  slightly  torn.  At  once  he  flew  into  a  great  rage. 
Laying  hands  on  her  he  showed  no  disposition  to  accept  her 
excuses.  "  Careless  wench !  You  have  torn  my  dress.  How 
very  impudent  of  you.  Unless  you  at  once  accompany  me  to  the 
tea  house  close  by,  to  serve  the  wine  and  please  me,  pardon,  there 
is  none;  be  sure  of  that."  The  people  had  gathered  like  a  black 
mountain.  Nothing  was  to  be  seen  but  heads.  O'Hana  San  was 
in  the  greatest  embarrassment,  tmable  to  free  herself  from  the 
insults  and  importunities  of  the  drunken  fellow.  The  samurai  was 
hid  under  the  diviner's  garb.  Stepping  from  the  stand  I  inter- 
posed in  the  girl's  behalf,  making  apology,  and  pointing  out  the 
rudeness  of  his  behaviour  to  the  drunkard.  Instead  of  becoming 
calm  he  raised  his  fist  and  struck  me  in  the  face.  His  condition 
gave  the  advantage  without  use  of  arms.  Locking  a  leg  in  his  tot- 
tering supports  I  threw  him  down  into  the  ditch.  Then  with  a 
word  to  O'Hana  San  to  flee  at  once,  we  disappeared  in  different 
directions.  The  samurai  lemon  again  became  the  diviner.  That 
part  of  his  role  this  lemon  regrets ;  but  a  weapon  he  could  not  draw 
in  the  quarrel.  Later  on  meeting  O'Hana  San  at  the  Kwannon 
temple  of  Asakusa  thanks  were  received,  for  what  was  a  very 
trivial  service." — "  And  again  renewed,"  said  the  beauty,  raising 
her  downcast  face  to  look  direct  into  that  of  lemon.  Said  Kwaiba 
— "  Ah !  That's  the  tale,  is  it  ?  A  fortunate  encounter,  and  a 
strange  reunion ;  but  the  world  is  full  of  such.  O'Hana,  it  comes 
in  most  befitting  that  opportunity  is  afforded  to  favour  the  rescuer 
with  something  of  greater  value  than  thanks.  Pray  serve  him 
with  wine."  Then  did  Kwaiba  take  the  matter  as  a  man  of  the 
world.  But  he  was  no  fool,  "  this  old  tanuki  (badger)  of  a  thou- 
sand autumns'  experience  on  hill  and  in  dale."  He  understood 
very  well  that  between  lemon  and  O'Hana  there  had  been  a  closer 
connection  than  that  of  mere  accident. 


CHAPTER  IX 

LOVE   KNOTS 

Many  were  the  visits  paid  by  lemon  to  contest  at  go  with 
Ito  Kwaiba.  Rapid  was  the  progress  of  the  love  affair  between  a 
young  man  and  a  young  woman,  both  inspired  with  a  consuming 
passion  for  each  other.  In  former  days — something  more  than 
two  years  before— when  lemon  was  priest  in  the  Joshinji  of  the 
Reigan  district  of  Fukagawa,  and  was  spending  the  money  of  the 
osho  so  freely,  he  had  met  O'Hana  at  the  Fukagawa  of  Yagura  no 
Shita.  Just  entering  on  her  career,  she  at  once  captivated  him  with 
a  permanent  passion.  It  was  in  her  company  that  the  funds  of  the 
temple  had  been  cast  to  the  four  winds  of  heaven.  His  love  had 
been  fully  reciprocated  by  O'Hana.  The  one  purpose  was  to  ran- 
som the  lady,  and  then  to  live  together  as  husband  and  wife.  Such 
was  the  engagement  plighted  between  them.  However,  the  ransom 
figure  was  large.  lemon — or  Kazuma  at  that  time,  he  dropped 
his  priestly  name  when  out  of  bounds — had  already  planned  a 
larger  raid  than  usual  on  the  ecclesiastical  treasury.  Warned  by 
O'Hana  that  his  operations  had  been  discovered,  he  had  sought 
safety  in  flight ;  not  without  a  last  tearful  parting  with  his  mistress, 
and  assurance  that  fate  somehow  would  bring  them  again  together. 
The  engagement  thus  entered  on  was  to  flourish  under  the  new 
conditions. 

As  to  this  pursuit  of  O'Hana,  in  which  the  maiden  was  coy 
and  willing,  the  lover  circumspect  and  eager,  or  at  least  thought  he 
was,  those  around  the  pair  were  soon  well  informed ;  that  is,  with 
the  exception  of  the  most  interested — O'lwa  and  Kwaiba.  The 
marked  neglect  which  now  ensued  O'lwa  took  in  wifely  fashion ; 
and  attributing  it  to  some  passing  attraction  of  Shinjuku  Nakacho, 
she  did  not  take  it  to  heart  as  she  would  have  done  if  a  concubine 

93 


94  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

had  been  at  issue.  As  for  Kwaiba,  the  usually  astute  and  prying 
old  man  was  so  immersed  in  his  go  as  to  be  struck  blind,  deaf, 
and  dumb.  The  matter  coming  to  the  ears  of  Kondo  Rokurobei, 
the  worthy  gentleman  was  seriously  alarmed.  If  true,  the  old 
man  had  indeed  reached  a  parting  of  the  ways,  at  which  he  had  to 
satisfy  lemon.  Master  of  Tamiya,  O'lwa,  his  ward,  and  Ito 
Kwaiba,  the  powerful  influence  in  the  daily  life  of  all  of  them. 
That  night  there  was  a  meeting  at  the  house  of  Kwaiba,  a  com- 
petition in  gidayu  recitation,  dancing,  and  poetry  (uta)  making. 
He  presented  himself  in  season  at  the  door  of  the  Tamiya.  "  Ah ! 
OTwa  San ;  and  to-night  does  le^non  join  the  company  at  the 
house  of  the  kiimi-gashiraf  Rokurobei  comes  from  Kawagoe,  and 
perhaps  is  not  too  late  to  find  company  on  the  road." — "  Oya! 
Is  it  Kondo  Sama  ?  lya !  the  Danna  has  but  begun  his  prepara- 
tions. .  .  .  lemon !  The  Danna  of  Yotsuyazaka  has  come ; 
for  company  on  the  way  to  Ito  Sama's  house.  .  .  .  Deign  to 
enter.  In  a  short  time  lemon  will  be  ready."  Kondo  looked  at  her 
quizzically.  There  was  no  sign  of  distress  or  misgivings  in  this 
quarter.  He  felt  encouraged.  Probably  the  rumour  was  false 
or  exaggerated;  perhaps  it  was  wholly  due  to  the  malice  of 
Akiyama  Chozaemon,  from  whom  that  day  he  had  heard  it. 

He  turned  to  greet  lemon,  who  emerged  ready  for  the  street. 
At  the  entrance  they  halted.  Said  lemon — "  It  will  be  a  long 
drawn-out  affair.  Deign  to  retire,  and  not  await  the  return." 
Replied  OTwa — "  A  small  matter.  The  sound  of  the  Danna's 
footstep  will  arouse  Iwa  to  receive  him."  lemon  laughed.  "  How 
so?  How  distinguish  my  steps  from  those  of  Akiyama  San  or 
other  constant  callers?  "  Said  OTwa  gravely — "  When  the  wife 
can  no  longer  distinguish  the  husband's  footstep,  then  affection 
has  departed.  OTwa  will  be  ready  to  receive  lemon,  no  matter 
what  the  hour." — "  And,  indeed,  a  late  one,"  put  in  Kondo.  "  The 
party  consists  mainly  of  young  men.  After  it  they  will  adjourn 
to  Nakach5.  Is  it  allowed  to  lemon  Dono  to  accompany  them  ?  " 
OTwa  winced  a  little.     "  The  Master  is  always  master,  within 


LOVE  KNOTS  95 

and  without  the  house.  He  will  do  as  he  pleases." — "  Gently 
said;  like  a  true  wife.  Truly  such  a  married  pair  are  rarely  to  be 
encountered.  They  are  the  mandarin  duck  and  drake  of  Moro- 
koshi  transplanted  to  Yotsuya.  Rokurobei  feels  proud  of  his 
guardianship."  As  he  and  lemon  took  their  way  along  the  Tera- 
machi,  he  said — "  lemon  is  indeed  a  wonderful  man.  He  is  hand- 
some and  pursued  by  the  women.  OTwa  undeniably  is  ugly;  yet 
never  is  there  failure  to  show  her  respect  and  consideration,  in 
private  as  well  as  public.  One's  life  here  in  Yotsuya  is  open  to 
all  the  neighbours,  and  these  speak  well  of  lemon."  Said  the 
younger  man,  in  matter  of  fact  tone — "  Who  could  fail  toward 
Iwa?  She  is  amiability  itself.  Plain,  perhaps,  but  gentleness  is 
the  compensating  quality,  a  truer  source  of  household  wealth  than 
beauty." — "  Well  spoken !  Deign  to  keep  it  in  heart,  for  the 
neighbours'  tongues  wag  as  to  lemon  and  O'Hana.  Malice  can 
cause  as  much  unhappiness  as  downright  wickedness.  Besides, 
Kwaiba  is  no  man  to  trifle  with."  lemon  was  a  little  put  out  and 
alarmed  at  the  directness  of  Kondo's  reference.  "  Be  sure  there 
is  nothing  in  such  talk.  A  slight  service,  rendered  in  earlier  days, 
makes  O'Hana  San  more  cordial  to  one  otherwise  a  stranger. 
The  excess  shown  is  perhaps  to  be  discouraged.  But  ltd  Dono  is 
good  company  and  has  good  wine ;  and  besides  really  is  a  good  go 
player.    It  would  be  loss  to  shun  his  house." 

Kondo  noted  a  first  symptom  on  their  arrival.  He  spoke 
sharply  to  the  maid — "  Middle  age  in  company  with  youth  plainly 
finds  a  poor  reception.  Is  that  the  master's  order?  The  clogs  of 
Tamiya  are  not  the  only  ones.  Is  Rokurobei  to  shift  for  himself  ?  " 
The  girl,  all  confusion,  made  profuse  apology  as  she  hastened  to 
repair  the  neglect.  Kondo  was  easily  mollified.  "  Bah  !  No  won- 
der. Bring  Tamiya  near  a  woman,  and  all  is  confusion.  .  .  . 
But  ltd  Dono  ?  " — "  This  way,  honoured  Sirs :  the  Danna  awaits 
the  guests."  They  entered  the  sitting  room,  to  find  Kwaiba  in  a 
high  state  of  anger  and  sulks.  For  some  reason,  error  in  trans- 
mission or  date  or  other  ambiguity,  not  a  man  of  the  guests  had 


96  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

appeared.  "  The  supper  prepared  is  next  to  useless.  We  four 
can  do  but  little  in  its  dispatch.  Not  so  with  the  wine ;  let  every 
man  do  double  duty  here."  He  hustled  around  and  gave  his 
orders  with  some  excitement;  more  than  cordial  with  the  guests 
who  had  not  failed  him.  There  was  present  one  Kibei.  lemon 
had  noted  with  curiosity  his  first  appearance  on  this  ground. 
What  effect  was  this  factor  going  to  have  on  O'Hana's  position 
in  the  household.  He  had  been  reassured  on  the  physical  point. 
Kibei  was  exceedingly  ugly,  a  regular  mask,  and  O'Hana  was  a 
woman  to  make  much  of  physical  beauty,  as  well  as  strength  and 
ruggedness.  He  was  a  younger  son  of  Inagaki  Shogen,  a  hata- 
moto  with  a  yashiki  in  Honj5  and  an  income  of  three  thousand 
koku}  It  was  almost  certain  that  Kwaiba  would  adopt  Kibei. 
The  negotiations  had  been  long  continued,  and  there  was  some 
hitch  in  the  matter  that  lemon  could  not  make  out.  What  he 
did  realize  was  Kibei's  hostility  to  himself.  A  noted  fencer,  mak- 
ing some  sort  of  a  living  as  teacher  of  the  art,  he  was  the  last  man 
with  whom  lemon  had  any  desire  for  a  quarrel.  lemon  was  a 
coward,  and  the  cold  eye  of  Kibei  sent  a  chill  down  his  spine. 
Himself,  he  was  always  excessively  polite  in  their  intercourse. 

Limited  as  to  number  the  party  tried  to  make  up  for  the  missing 
guests  by  liveliness.  There  was  a  dance  by  Kibei,  drinking  as  sub- 
stitutes of  the  absent,  and  competition  in  uta  (poetry).  Handing 
in  his  own  effort — no  mean  one — lemon  left  the  room  for  a 
moment.  As  he  came  out  on  the  corridor,  and  was  about  to  return 
to  the  guest  room,  he  found  the  maid  O'Moto  awaiting  him  with 
water  and  towel.  A  shght  puckering  frown  came  over  lemon's 
face  at  this  imprudence.  Said  the  girl  pleadingly — "  Danna  Sama, 
deign  to  exercise  patience.  That  of  the  mistress  is  sorely  tried. 
The  absence  of  the  other  guests,  the  pursuit  of  Kibei  Dono,  who 
only  seeks  to  compromise  her  and  secure  her  expulsion  from  the 
house,  or  even  death  at  the  hand  of  Kwaiba  Dono,  has  driven 
her  well  nigh  mad.    A  moment — in  this  room."    lemon  drew  back. 

^5.13  bushel.     Income  of  the  samurai  classes  were  so  measured. 


LOVE  KNOTS  97 

— "  A  room  apart,  and  in  darkness !  The  age  of  seven  years  once 
passed,  and  boy  and  girl  are  never  to  be  allowed  alone  together." 
He  would  have  refused,  but  a  sudden  push  and  he  was  within. 
The  shoji  closed  at  once. 

Kwaiba's  voice  called  loudly — "  Hana  !  Hana !  What  has  be- 
come of  the  girl?  There  is  no  one  to  serve  the  wine.  If  the  ugli- 
ness of  Kibei  drives  her  to  cover,  Tamiya's  beauty  should  lure  her 
out.  Hana !  Hana  !  "  O'Hana  slipped-  hastily  from  the  arms 
of  lemon.  Passing  through  the  garden  she  entered  the  kitchen 
and  snatched  up  a  sake  bottle  from  the  stove.  She  did  not  notice 
that  the  fire  had  gone  entirely  out.  She  and  lemon  entered  the 
sitting  room  together,  from  different  sides.  Rokurobei  looked 
sharply  at  lemon.  Kibei  was  engaged  in  hot  talk  with 
Kwaiba.  Said  Kondo — "Where  have  you  been?  Pressed  by 
necessity?  For  such  a  lapse  of  time!  nonsense!  Is  rice  powder 
found  in  such  a  place?  '  Plaster  '?  It  does  not  leave  the  mark 
of  a  cheek  on  the  sleeve."  He  laid  a  warning  hand  on  lemon, 
skilfully  removing  the  telltale  mark  in  so  doing.  "  What  has  hap- 
pened is  clear  enough.  Fortunately  Kwaiba  and  Kibei  have  got 
into  a  dispute  over  the  merits  of  Heinai  and  Shosetsu  as  fencing 
masters;  both  of  them  dead  as  the  long  ago  quarrels  of  the 
Tc^^otomi  and  Tokugawa  Houses.  Heinai  was  loyal,  and  Shosetsu 
a  traitor ;  but  Kibei  tries  the  old  man  and  officer  by  supporting  the 
prowess  of  the  latter.  Besides  the  sake  is  cold  and  Kwaiba  at 
start  was  in  a  very  bad  temper.  He  has  thought  for  naught  but 
his  drink  and  disappointment.  Cajole  him  by  agreeing  with  him, 
but  don't  get  into  a  quarrel  with  Kibei.  He  is  expert  with  the 
sword,  has  a  temper  as  ugly  as  his  face,  and  would  willingly 
engage  in  one.  He  don't  like  you.  .  .  ."  He  stopped.  Kwaiba 
was  speaking  sharply.  He  had  just  taken  the  fresh  bottle.  "  Cold 
as  a  stone !  How  careless  you  are." — "  Not  so,"  said  O'Hana  in 
some  surprise.  "  It  has  just  come  off  the  stove."  Kwaiba  put 
the  bottle  in  her  hand,  to  her  confusion.  "  O'Hana  must  have 
been  asleep;  or  much  engaged,  not  to  note  the  difference."  For 
7 


98  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

the  first  time  he  looked  sharply  at  her,  then  at  lemon.  O'Hana 
often  executed  great  freedom  with  him — "  Asleep!  Just  so;  and 
no  wonder.  Without  guests  the  evening  has  been  stupid  enough. 
If  Tamiya  Sama  had  brought  his  wife  with  him  it  would  have 
been  complete."  Kwaiba,  Kibei,  Kondo  smiled  at  the  sally. 
lemon  took  the  cue,  and  chose  to  resent  the  words.  He  said 
coldly — "  O'lwa  certainly  brings  spice  into  everything  she  engages 
in.  Her  intelligence  is  unusual."  O'Hana  looked  at  him ;  then 
smiled  a  little,  reassured.  Passing  behind  him  she  stumbled. 
"  Forgotten  " — lemon  felt  a  letter  thrust  into  his  hand,  which 
he  passed  quickly  to  his  sleeve.  Then  he  and  Kondo  rose  to  take 
their  leave.  The  usual  salutations  followed.  As  if  to  compensate 
for  the  failure  of  the  entertainment  all  joined  in  seeing  them 
depart.  Kwaiba  was  still  grumbling  and  half  quarrelling  with 
O'Hana.  O'Moto  was  engaged  with  Kondd  Rokurobei.  Kibei 
insisted  on  aiding  lemon ;  and  lemon  did  not  dare  to  refuse  his 
services  in  donning  the  kaori.  As  he  adjusted  the  awkward  efforts 
of  Kibei  on  one  side,  this  amateur  valet  made  a  mess  of  it  on  the 
other.  Besides,  neither  of  them  was  any  too  steady  on  his 
feet.  Then  Kondo  and  lemon  set  out  in  the  rain.  "  Sayonara ! 
Sayonara !  " 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  PLOT  AGAINST  O'lWA 

The  following  morning  lemon  sat  brooding,  mind  and  tongue 
clouded  by  the  drinking  bout  of  the  previous  night.  O'lwa  silently 
busied  herself  with  his  renovation.  Rokurobei  had  delivered  him 
over  to  her,  decidedly  the  worse  for  wine  and  wear.  He  was 
somewhat  astonished  at  the  young  man's  easy  discomfiture.  Mid- 
dle age  with  the  Nipponese  usually  means  the  seasoned  and  steady 
toper.  Regarding  the  matter  as  partly  due  to  her  own  fault,  and 
reassured  by  Kondo  as  to  the  events  of  the  evening,  O'lwa  heated 
the  sake  with  all  the  greater  care,  serving  it  herself,  chatting  on 
the  indifferent  gossip  of  the  neighbourhood.  She  spoke  of  the 
talk  current  as  to  ltd  Kwaiba's  adoption  of  an  heir.  "  This  man 
Kibei,  his  disposition  appears  to  be  as  ugly  as  his  face."  With 
a  little  smile  she  added,  "  for  the  latter  compensation  is  to  be 
found  in  the  first-named  quality ;  a  truth  which  he  seems  to  disre- 
gard. What  will  become  of  O'Hana  San?"  For  the  first  time 
since  the  night  before  the  thought  of  the  letter  flashed  into 
lemon's  mind.  He  put  down  the  renovating  morning  draft,  and 
on  some  excuse  arose.  His  kimono  lay  neatly  folded  in  the  hira- 
buta  (flat  tray).  Hastily  he  searched  the  sleeves.  There  was  not 
a  sign  of  the  missive.  With  clouded  brow  he  returned  to  the  sit- 
ting room.  A  glance  at  O'lwa  made  him  feel  ashamed.  It  had 
never  .come  into  her  hands.  He  knew  her  well  enough  to  be 
assured  that  he  would  have  found  it,  scrupulously  laid  together 
with  the  tobacco  pouch,  nose  wipe  (hanagami) ,  and  divers  other 
minor  articles  of  daily  use  carried  on  the  person.  The  whole 
affair  perhaps  was  a  dream.  The  more  he  considered,  the  more 
he  became  so  convinced.  His  transports  with  O'Hana,  their  sur- 
prise, Kondo's  rebuke — so  far  the  evening  was  tolerably  clear. 
It  was  only  as  to  the  final  cups,  the  rising  to  depart,  the  standing 

99 


100  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

in  the  cold  night  air,  that  the  exact  course  of  events  became 
clouded.  "  Ah !  It  was  all  a  vision.  O'Hana  never  would  have 
been  so  imprudent."  There  was  a  trace  of  doubt  in  his  mind. 
He  would  clear  it  up  at  the  fountain  source — at  Kwaiba's  house 
and  by  the  lips  of  O'Hana. 

Kwaiba  greeted  him  with  ahiiost  boisterous  cheerfulness. 
"  Ah !  Tamiya  comes  early ;  a  flattering  acknowledgment  of  last 
night's  reception."  To  lem.on's  deprecatory  speech  and  apology — 
"  Don't  talk  folly,  after  the  manner  of  a  country  boor.  lemon 
San  is  a  man  of  the  world;  and  will  give  this  Kwaiba  credit  for 
being  the  same.  What  does  it  amount  to?  A  matter  of  a  little 
too  much  wine.  .  .  .  Hana !  Hana !  The  Master  of  Tamiya 
is  present.  Cut  some  bean  paste,  and  bring  tea.  Heat  the  wine. 
Matazaemon  was  so  sober  an  old  dog  that  it  is  doubtful  whether 
O'lwa  knows  aught  about  the  best  remedy  for  past  drinking." 
As  Kibei  entered — "  There  is  the  inventory  of  the  Shimosa 
farms.  Condescend  to  take  a  glance  at  the  report  of  the  naniislii 
(bailiff).  Hana  will  aid."  Thus  dismissed,  the  two  left  the  room. 
Kwaiba  turned  to  lemon — "A  draught:  no?  Then  Kwaiba  will 
drink  for  both.  For  him  it  is  a  day  of  rejoicing.  The  coming 
of  Tamiya  is  opportune.  It  was  intended  to  send  for  him.  Deign 
to  aid  this  Kwaiba  with  counsel.  The  adoption  of  Kibei  has 
finally  been  settled."  The  old  man's  exultation  influenced  even  the 
indifference  of  lemon's  aching  head.  With  well-simulated  interest 
he  said — "  Naruhodo !  Kibei  Dono  is  indeed  to  be  congratulated. 
As  to  our  chief,  since  everything  is  to  his  satisfaction,  lemon  is 
but  too  glad  to  speak  his  pleasure,  to  ofifer  his  congratulations." — 
"  Nay!  A  little  more  than  that,  lemon  Uji.  This  Kwaiba  would 
seek  his  aid  in  another  matter  of  importance.  Kwaiba  is  old. 
A  woman  no  longer  is  an  object  to  him.  He  cannot  make  a  child. 
If  O'Hana  should  give  birth  to  a  child  great  would  be  the  dis- 
comfiture, knowing  the  truth.  What  is  to  be  done  in  such  a 
case  ?  "  He  now  was  looking  with  direct  inquiry  into  the  face 
of  lemon.  The  latter  was  much  confused.  He  stammered — "  Just 
so :  so  indeed.    O'Hana  San  is  truly  an  embarrassment.    Doubtless 


THE  PLOT  AGAINST  OTWA  lOI- 

she  is  also  an  obstacle  to  Kibei  Dono.  She  .  .  ."  Sneered 
Kwaiba — "  Tamiya,  though  young,  is  wise.  He  grasps  the  situa- 
tion at  once.  Deign,  lemon  San,  to  take  O'Hana  yourself." 
Kwaiba  raised  his  voice  a  little.  Kibei  brought  O'Hana  with 
him  from  the  next  room.  She  seemed  alarmed  and  embarrassed. 
Said  Kwaiba — "  What  have  you  there ;  the  inventory  ?  Ah  ! 
A  letter:  and  there  is  no  one  to  read  a  letter  like  lemon  San. 
Deign,  Sir,  to  favour  us.  lemon  San  alone  can  give  the  contents 
the  proper  inflection.  He  handed  it  to  lemon.  A  glance  showed 
the  latter  that  it  was  a  letter  from  O'Hana,  probably  that  of  the 
previous  night.  His  pocket  had  been  neatly  picked  by  Kibei. 
It  was  plain.  He  had  been  trapped.  The  pretended  entertain- 
ment had  been  a  plot  in  which  the  passion  of  O'Hana  had  been 
given  full  chance  to  range.  Even  the  disinterested  witness,  the 
old  fool  Kondo,  had  been  provided.  He  caught  a  curious,  mocking 
smile  on  the  face  of  the  girl  O'Moto,  just  then  passing  along  the 
roka. 

Kwaiba  allowed  the  silence  to  become  oppressive.  He  seemed 
to  await  an  incriminating  outburst  on  the  part  of  O'Hana,  plainly 
on  the  verge  of  tears.  However,  the  girl  caught  herself  up.  In- 
stead she  turned  a  calm,  inquiring  look  toward  the  three  men. 
lemon  alone  looked  down,  his  gaze  on  the  letter  the  characters 
of  which  danced  and  waved  before  his  eyes.  Sharp  as  he  ordi- 
narily was,  before  this  vigorous  and  astute  old  man,  backed  by 
the  ruffianly  prospective  son  with  impertinent  smile,  the  cowardice 
of  lemon  deprived  him  of  all  spirit.  His  faculties  were  numbed. 
Kwaiba  leaned  over  and  removed  the  letter  from  his  hands. 
"  Since  lemon  San  will  not  read  the  letter,  Kwaiba  will  try  to  do 
so;  a  poor  substitute  for  the  accomplished  cleric."  The  old  fel- 
low seemed  to  know  everything,  as  the  tone  of  contempt  indicated. 
He  ran  the  scroll  out  in  his  hands- — "  Naruhodo  !  Ma !  Ma ! 
What's  this  ?  From  some  woman  :  a  lascivious  jade  indeed  !  .  .  . 
Eh !  Kibei  Dono,  apology  is  due  your  ears.  This  Kwaiba  laughed 
at  your  suspicions."  He  threw  down  the  scroll,  as  in  a  fury. 
Kibei  picked  it  up.    He  began  to  read : 


If^YA  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

"  Night  is  the  source  of  pleasure,  but  greater  that  pleasure  at  sight 
of  lemon.  The  day  comes  when  lemon  and  Hana  will  be  husband  and 
wife,  in  fact  if  not  in  form.  '  Ah  !  Day  and  night  to  be  at  the  service 
of  lemon.'  Thus  does  Hana  pray  gods  and  Buddhas.  When  distant 
from  his  side,  even  though  the  time  be  short,  painful  is  its  passage. 
Place  this  letter  next  to  your  very  person.  May  that  night  come  quickly, 
when  the  coming  of  lemon  is  awaited.  The  connection  with  OTwa  San  is 
the  punishment  for  sin  committed  in  a  previous  existence.  Condescend  to 
dismiss  her  from  your  mind.  View  the  matter  wholly  in  this  light.  The 
spiteful  brush  (pen)  refuses  further  service.  Hard,  hard,  is  the  lot  of 
this  Hana.  The  honoured  Master  comes ;  the  heartfelt  wish  is  accom- 
plished. 

With  compliments. 
To  lemon  Sama."  Hana. 

Kwaiba's  rage  grew  and  grew  with  the  reading.  At  lemon's 
name  he  sprang  up  and  made  a  movement  toward  the  stand  on 
which  reposed  his  swords.  Laying  a  hand  on  the  larger  weapon 
he  turned  with  a  scowl — "  Ah !  This  Kwaiba  is  old,  but  in  vigour 
he  is  young.  It  is  for  Kwaiba  to  sport  with  the  women.  They 
are  not  to  make  a  fool  of  him."  Kibei  sharply  interposed.  "  Does 
Kwaiba  Dono  gain  satisfaction  by  such  a  vengeance?  To  Kibei 
it  seems  a  poor  one.  A  matter  so  easily  to  be  settled  is  not  to  be 
made  a  scandal  in  the  ward.  Deign,  honoured  Sir,  so  to  regard  it. 
To  punish  both  at  once  with  death  is  proper.  But  is  it  expedient  ? 
Condescend  to  hear  the  words  of  Kibei." 

Kwaiba  pulled  himself  up.  It  was  as  if  some  one  had  dragged 
him  back.  His  rage  departed.  A  cold  malice  took  its  place.  He 
smiled  blandly — "  One  does  not  quarrel  over  a  harlot.  Kwaiba 
spares  their  lives.  lemon  shall  take  Hana  home — as  wife." — 
"  As  wife !  "  lemon  broke  through  his  fear.  "  Surely  the  hon- 
oured Kashira  is  unreasonable.  This  lemon  is  but  the  muko  of 
Tamiya.  To  demand  that  OTwa  San  be  discarded  is  going  too 
far.  Positively  in  this  matter,  though  there  have  been  love 
passages,  the  most  intimate  relation  has  never  followed — now 
or  in  previous  relations." — "  You  lie !  "  said  Kwaiba  coldly. 
"  Furthermore  'tis  a  matter  not  passing  the  period  of  last  night. 


THE  PLOT  AGAINST  O'lWA  l03 

But  that  is  not  to  the  point.  '  Against  Matazaemon  this  Kwaiba 
has  a  grudge — as  yet  unsatisfied.  Through  O'lwa  San  this  shall 
be  paid.  With  lemon  no  harsh  measures  are  adopted.  Nay ; 
Kwaiba  comes  to  his  aid.  You,  too,  Kibei,  shall  assist.  .  .  . 
Ah  !  For  the  ready  consent,  thanks.  Ma  !  A  delicious  revenge  is 
that  gathered  by  Kwaiba.  O'Hana  the  harlot  takes  the  place  of 
the  Ojosan.  And  she  loves  lemon !  In  our  feasts  Natsume  and 
Imaizumi  get  the  skin  of  the  omelet ;  lemon  the  centre.  Then 
O'lwa  is  to  be  driven  out.  To  that  Tamiya  cannot  object.  He 
substitutes  honey  for  garlic;^  O'Hana  the  flower  for  the  ugly 
toad  O'lwa.  Splendid !  Splendid !  But  how  ?  Ah !  Here's 
Kondo,  just  in  the  nick  of  time.  Rokurdbei,  aid  us  with  your 
experience  and  influence.  Aid  us  with  lemon,  who  would  cleave 
to  the  O'Bake." 

Put  in  possession  of  the  facts  Kondo  was  aghast.  He  had 
come  to  the  parting  of  the  ways;  and  under  conditions  which 
assured  his  participation  in  the  plot.  At  first  he  turned  on  lemon 
with  bitter  recrimination.  "  Oh !  A  virtuous  fellow,  who  would 
drink  a  man's  wine,  lie  with  his  woman,  and  then  preach  morality 
to  a  household!  But  the  mischief  is  done.  If  not  the  paramour 
of  O'lTana  San,  everybody  believes  it  to  be  so  .  .  ."  Kwaiba 
held  up  his  hands  in  well-simulated  anger.  Kibei  and  Rokurobei 
interfered.  lemon's  last  resistance  was  broken  down.  To  talk? 
That  is  the  business  of  a  priest.  Soon  he  was  as  eagerly  engaged 
in  the  plot  as  if  he  had  left  the  house  in  Samoncho  for  that  pur- 
pose. Said  Rokurobei — "  What  difficulty  does  the  matter  pre- 
sent? Set  on  Watanabe  Goro  to  tempt  and  make  love  to  O'lwa. 
He  is  badly  in  debt.  The  handsome  man  of  the  ward  everyone 
would  suspect  her  fall.  Surprised  by  lemon,  O'lwa  is  driven 
out  as  unchaste.     This  Kondo  stipulates  that  matters  go  no  fur- 


^Kyara=:  nut  gall,  in  Momogawa's  kodan.  From  the  marriage  to 
the  expulsion  of  OTwa  his  treatment  of  the  story  is  mainly  followed. 
Ryuo  slurs  the  marriage,  but  describes  the  persecution  with  great 
effect.  The  lines  of  treatment  only  diverge  subsequently.  Ryuo  is  to 
be  preferred. 


i64  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

ther.  After  all  O'lwa  is  innocent  of  offence.  The  husband's 
full  rights  are  not  to  be  excused.  Neither  she,  nor  Watanabe  is  to 
suffer  injury." 

Kibei  laughed  outright  at  the  idea  of  a  drawn  sword  in 
lemon's  hand.  lemon  turned  the  contempt  on  to  Kondo.  Sneer- 
ing, he  replied — "  The  plan  is  worthless.  O'lwa  is  chastity  itself. 
In  the  absence  of  this  lemon  no  man  is  allowed  entrance  to  the 
house."  Kwaiba  knitted  his  brows — "  Kakusuke  !  Kakusuke  !  " 
As  the  chugen  appeared — "  Go  yonder  to  the  house  of  Akiyama 
Chozaemon  San.  Say  that  the  Kumigashira  would  speak  with 
Akiyama  San."  As  the  man  departed — "  Chozaemon  is  the  man. 
For  gossip  and  malice  he  is  a  very  woman.  Rejoice  and  he  weeps  ; 
weep  and  he  rejoices.  If  Akiyama  cannot  concoct  some  plan  to 
get  rid  of  O'lwa,  then  no  one  can.  .  .  .  Alas !  O'Hana  and 
lemon  must  die  by  the  hand  of  this  Kwaiba.  Kibei  will  give  his 
aid."  The  old  man  and  Kibei  got  much  enjoyment  out  of  the 
cowardice  of  lemon  and  the  fright  of  O'Hana.  But  not  for  long. 
Akiyama  Chozaemon,  the  one-time  boy  lover  of  O'lwa;  a  long, 
lean,  hungry-looking  man,  with  long,  cadaverous  face  and  a  de- 
cidedly bad  eye,  appeared  with  the  chugen  Nakusuke  close  behind. 
The  latter  seemed  a  sort  of  policeman  attending  the  none-too- 
willing  Chozaemon.  The  latter's  brow  lightened  at  sight  of  the 
company.  He  owed  Kwaiba  money.  Sending  away  the  servant, 
Kwaiba  unfolded  the  situation.  Said  Chozaemon — "  Heigh ! 
Tamiya  takes  the  cast  off  leman  of  Ito  Dono.  Fair  exchange  is  no 
robbery;  Kibei  Uji  against  O'Hana  San.  lemon  San  goes  into  the 
matter  with  eyes  wide  open.  The  lady  is  an  old  intimate,  it  is 
said."  This  manner  of  approaching  the  subject  was  Chdzaemon's 
way.  He  cared  nothing  for  the  scowls  of  Kibei  nor  the  wrath 
of  Kwaiba.  He  was  needed,  or  they  would  not  have  called  him 
to  counsel.  As  for  lemon,  he  was  grateful  to  Chozaemon;  as 
neighbour,  and  for  the  insult  to  Kibei  and  Kwaiba. 

Continued  the  mediator — "  The  obstacle  of  course  is  the 
O'Bake.  O'lwa  is  to  be  driven  out.  And  Watanabe  won't  answer  ? 
Maa !    Chastity  in  an  O'Bake !     It  is  a  thing  unheard  of.     'Tis 


THE  PLOT  AGAINST  O'lWA  105 

such,  once  of  womankind,  who  seduce  Hving  men.  Tamiya  is 
now  head  of  the  House.  O'lwa  once  driven  out,  the  property 
remains  in  his  hands  as  its  representative.  She  must  be  forced 
to  leave  of  her  own  will.  Good;  very  good.  What  is  it  worth  to 
Kwaiba  Dono?  " — "  Look  to  lemon  for  commission,"  said  Kwaiba 
roughly.  "  Nay  !  Nay  !  "  mouthed  Chdzaemon.  "  Kwaiba  is 
Kwaiba;  lemon  is  lemon.  The  two  are  to  be  settled  with  sepa- 
rately. If  Kwaiba  Dono  had  gone  to  extremes  at  the  start  no 
question  would  have  been  raised.  To  do  so  now,  with  all  present 
and  after  discussion,  is  out  of  the  question.  Kwaiba  Dono  wishes 
to  adopt  Kibei  Uji;  to  get  rid  of  O'Hana  San.  lemon  San  has 
been  neatly  trapped.  He  must  consent.  O'Hana  is  a  woman. 
She  has  no  voice  in  the  matter.  All  this  is  clear.  But  as  to 
Chozaemon's  labour  in  the  affair ;  that  it  is  which  interests  this 
Akiyama."  He  gave  a  sour  reprimanding  look  at  Kibei.  Then 
he  looked  impertinently  from  Kwaiba  to  lemon,  and  from  lemon 
to  Kwaiba.  lemon  in  delight  nodded  assent.  Chozaemon  promptly 
turned  his  back  on  him  and  faced  Kwaiba.  At  first  the  old  man 
was  very  angry  at  the  acuteness  of  Chozaemon.  The  sharp,  free 
exposure  did  not  please  him.  Then  the  idea  of  countering  on  this 
acuteness  made  him  good  tempered.  He  grumbled — "  The  ten 
ryo  owing  to  Kwaiba  at  the  New  Year — principal  and  interest ; 
such  is  the  fee  for  a  successful  issue."  Chozaemon  held  up  his 
hands  in  pretended  horror — "  Pay  back  borrowed  money !  Is 
that  expected  by  the  Kumigashira?  " — "  Not  '  expected,'  "  put  in 
Kwaiba  promptly.  "  With  the  seal  of  Akiyama  San  the  return  is 
assured."  Chozaemon  became  thoughtful — "  It  is  true.  The  last 
loan  was  under  seal.  .  .  .  Too  bad.  .  .  .  Well !  Well ! 
The  conditions  are  hard.  Submission  is  necessary.  The  debt  will 
be  forgiven?" — "Kibei  and  lemon  stand  as  witnesses,"  replied 
Kwaiba — "Then  how  is  this?"  said  Chozaemon.  All  put  their 
heads  together.  Akiyama  Chozaemon  went  into  details.  Kwaiba 
pushed  back  his  cushion ;  slapped  his  thighs.  "  Chozaemon,  you 
are  cheap  at  double  the  money.  Just  the  thing!  Eh,  lemon, 
Uji?    Eh,  MukoSan?"    All  grinned  a  raptured  assent. 


CHAPTER  XI 

THE  PLOT  DEVELOPS 

For  two  days  lemon  was  maturing  the  preliminaries.  He 
seemed  unwell  and  out  of  sorts.  The  third  day  he  did  not  get 
up  at  all.  OTwa  was  properly  anxious.  Said  she — "  The  change 
in  the  year  is  a  sickly  season.  Condescend  to  take  some  drug. 
Allow  Suian  Sensei  to  be  summoned."  lemon  grumbled  a  dis- 
sent. She  went  on  in  her  enthusiasm — "  He  is  the  very  prince 
of  doctors.  See :  here  is  a  salve  he  recommends ;  for  skin  and 
nerves.  O'Hana  San,  the  beautiful  concubine  of  Ito  Sama,  uses 
nothing  else.  He  guarantees  it  on  her  praise,  as  means  to  remove 
blemishes  of  any  kind  or  source."  lemon  looked  up  quickly. 
The  connection  puzzled  and  did  not  please  him.  Perhaps  he 
noted  a  puffiness  about  OTwa's  face,  remembered  a  repulsion 
toward  marital  usages.  The  women  should  leave  the  men  to 
play  their  own  game.  He  said  gruffly — "  Suian !  A  dealer  in 
cosmetics  and  charms.  Have  naught  to  do  with  his  plasters  and 
potions;  as  cheats  or  something  worse.  As  for  O'lwa,  she  is 
black  as  a  farm  hand  from  Ryukyu  (Loo-choo).  O'Hana  is  fair 
as  the  white  kiku.  Can  the  pastes  of  Suian  Sensei  change  black 
to  white?"  Startled,  OTwa  looked  round  from  the  glass  into 
which  she  was  peering.  She  was  taken  by  surprise.  In  their 
personal  relations  lemon  had  always  been  more  than  considerate. 
For  some  weeks  in  secret  she  had  been  using  this  drug  of  Suian 
Sensei.  In  childhood  OTwa  had  shown  something  of  an  epileptic 
tendency.  This  had  worn  off  with  time.  Of  late  the  recurrence 
had  alarmed  her.  The  drug  of  Suian,  at  the  time  anyhow,  made 
her  less  conscious  of  the  alarmed  critical  feeling  which  heralded 
the  inception  of  the  attacks. 

lemon  gave  her  but  time  to  catch  the  meaning  of  his  insult. 
He  went  on — "  Probably  it  is  but  a  cold.  Some  eggs,  with  plenty 
of  hot  wine,  will  obviate  ill  effects.  Deign  to  see  that  they  are 
106 


THE  PLOT  DEVELOPS  107 

prepared."  The  channel  of  O'lwa's  thoughts  changed.  At  once 
she  was  the  housekeeper  and  nurse,  and  all  solicitude  to  make  him 
at  ease.  In  the  course  of  the  meal  of  eggs  with  sake  in  came 
Natsume  Kyuzo  and  Imaizumi  Jinzaemon.  "  Ah !  lemon,  par- 
don the  intrusion.  Probably  the  engagement  of  yesterday  with 
Kwaiba  Sama  was  forgotten.  ...  In  bed !  A  cold  ?  But  such 
is  no  treatment  for  the  complaint.  There  should  be  a  cheerful, 
lively  atmosphere.  .  .  .  Ah !  Here  is  the  dice  box.  One 
can  shake  dice  as  well  lying  down  as  sitting.  Deign  to  refresh  the 
spirits  with  play  as  well  as  wine."  lemon  saw  to  it  that  both  were 
available.  With  surprise  at  first,  misgiving  afterwards,  OTwa 
heated  bottle  after  bottle  of  sake.  The  men  did  not  pay  the  slight- 
est attention  to  her  presence.  Absorbed  in  their  game,  there  was 
but  a  rough  call  from  time  to  time  for  wine,  addressed  to  the  air, 
a  servant,  anybody.  At  the  end  of  the  play  Natsume  rose  to  leave 
in  high  spirits.  Imaizumi  and  Tamiya  were  correspondingly  de- 
pressed. This  was  but  a  first  day's  procedure.  Day  after  day, 
for  the  space  of  half  the  month,  the  play  was  repeated.  lemon 
had  long  since  recovered.  One  day  he  stood  with  his  hands  shoved 
into  the  folds  of  his  sash.  He  was  very  sober  and  sour.  "  Iwa,  is 
there  money  in  the  house  ?  "  She  looked  at  him  in  surprise. 
"  Matters  have  not  turned  out  at  all  well  with  Kyuzo  and  Jinzae- 
mon. This  lemon  is  a  hundred  ryo  to  the  bad.  With  spare  cash 
at  hand  an  attempt  can  be  made  to  repair  the  loss." 

OTwa  prostrated  herself  before  him.  "  May  the  Danna  deign 
to  consider.  To  Iwa  this  pastime  of  gambling  seems  a  very  ill 
one,  particularly  in  a  man  of  official  rank.  It  is  fraught  with  peril  ; 
and  the  offence  once  known  rarely  is  pardoned.  Condescend 
to  hear  and  forgive  the  warning  of  this  Iwa.''  She  stopped  a  little 
frightened.  lemon  was  looking  at  her  in  greatest  wrath  and  aston- 
ishment. "What!  Is  there  argument  from  wife  to  husband? 
This  insolence  of  behaviour  crowns  the  insult  of  refusal.  The  very 
sight  of  your  face  is  enough  to  make  one  sick  at  the  stomach. 
Boors  and  hakcmono  are  shut  out  at  the  Hakone  barrier.  But 
you — the  guards  have  been  put  to  sleep,  and  you  have  slipped 


108  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

through.  Shut  up  !  Get  the  money,  or  .  .  ."  O'lwa  crouched 
at  the  shoji,  in  terror  and  surprise.  The  insulting  words  heaped 
on  her  pained  and  tortured.  Now  she  feh  the  sharp  sting  of  a 
hand  forcibly  applied  to  her  cheek.  Without  a  word  she  left  the 
room.  Returning  she  brought  thirty  ryo  in  gold  on  a  salver. 
Timidly  prostrate  she  presented  it  to  lemon.  "  Condescend  to  par- 
don Iwa.  That  she  is  ugly  and  incompetent  she  knows.  Did  not 
lemon  accept  her  ?  "  The  man  stuffed  the  gold  in  his  girdle.  In 
reply — "  No :  lemon  was  cheated  by  Kondo  and  Chobei.  A  plain 
woman — perhaps ;  but  a  monster,  a  worse  than  rokuro-kubi,  was 
never  thought  of  even  in  a  dream.  Compensation  is  to  be  found, 
lemon  likes  gambling.  He  will  gamble.  Have  a  care  to  supply 
the  needed  funds;  and  don't  interfere."  Roughly  he  shoved  her 
out  of  the  way,  and  left  the  house. 

For  long  O'lwa  saw  nothing  of  lemon;  but  she  heard  from 
him.  In  fact  he  was  living  in  semi-secrecy  at  the  house  of 
Rokurobei.  Now  this  messenger,  then  that,  would  come  to  OTwa. 
"  If  there  is  no  money — sell  something.  The  bearer  will  indicate. 
A  supply  must  be  found."  Thus  one  thing  after  another  left  the 
house — to  be  stored  in  the  godown  of  Kondo  Rokurobei,  to  whose 
clever  suggestion  was  due  this  way  of  stripping  OTwa  of  all  she 
possessed.  With  goods  and  clothes  went  the  servants.  In  the 
course  of  a  few  weeks  OTwa  was  living  in  one  room,  furnished 
with  three  tatami  in  lieu  of  the  usual  twelve  in  number.  Hibachi, 
andon  (night  lamp),  the  single  garment  she  wore,  this  was  all  she 
possessed  in  the  house.  Then  at  last  she  saw  him.  The  light 
dawned  on  a  cold  snowy  morning  of  early  March.  OTwa  rose, 
opened  the  amado,  and  started  her  day.  About  the  fourth  hour 
(9  A.M.)  the  shoji  were  pushed  aside  and  lemon  entered.  He 
looked  as  if  fresh  from  a  night's  debauch.  His  garments  were 
dirty  and  disordered.  His  face  was  sallow,  the  eyes  deep  set  and 
weary,  his  manner  listless.  OTwa  gave  him  the  only  cushion  in 
the  room.  Seated  before  the  hibachi  (brazier)  after  some  time 
he  said — "  A  million  pardons :  the  luck  has  been  very  bad.  .  .  . 
Ah !    The  place  here  seems  in  disorder.     It  is  not  fit  for  a  man 


THE  PLOT  DEVELOPS  109 

to  live  in."  He  looked  around  as  one  waking  from  a  dream. 
"  No  wonder :  yet  all  can  be  restored.  lemon  has  surprised  you  ?  " 
Said  O'lwa  timidly — "  Matters  are  a  little  at  odds  and  ends. 
O'lwa  needs  but  little;  a  stalk  of  daikon  (radish)  and  a  handful 
of  wheat  (;m(^j).  Does  the  Danna  remain  here  ?  If  so  .  .  ." 
There  was  a  painful  hitch  in  her  voice,  a  puzzled  look  on  her  face. 
She  had  one  bn  in  cash.  In  fact  she  was  hoping  for  the  monthly 
visit  of  Yosuke  the  farmer;  if  there  was  a  farm  any  longer.  She 
did  not  know. 

"  For  the  night,"  replied  lemon.  "  Sleep  and  food  are  the 
essentials  of  good  play.  All  has  been  lost  in  the  gambling  houses 
of  Shinjuku  and  Shinagawa,  at  the  Nakanochd.  Is  there  no 
money  in  the  house  ?  .  .  .  Evidently  not.  Deign  to  secure 
some,  no  matter  how."  He  took  the  silver  hu  she  presented  to 
him.  "  At  least  a  bath  and  tobacco  can  be  had.  See  to  it  that 
a  meal  is  ready  at  even;  not  much,  sashimi  (sliced  raw  fish)  and 
wine.  lemon  would  play,  not  eat."  With  this  he  rose.  O'lwa 
heard  the  sound  of  the  closing  gate.  Long  she  remained,  her 
face  buried  in  her  knees.  In  this  gloomy  situation  what  was  she 
to  do?  She  looked  around.  There  was  not  a  thing  to  sell;  not 
even  herself.  Who  would  buy  the  ugly  O'lwa?  An  idea  came 
into  her  head.  In  a  moment  she  was  in  the  street.  Soon  she 
stood  at  the  door  of  her  uncle,  Yoemon.  With  this  uncle  and 
aunt  she  had  but  little  to  do.  Matazaemon  had  been  at  daggers 
drawn  with  his  brother,  whom  he  accused  of  being  a  wretched 
miser,  one  acquiring  wealth  by  very  questionable  means  for  a 
samurai.  In  old  days  Chobei  had  been  a  hired  agent  of  Yoemon. 
The  principal  had  escaped ;  the  second  had  to  leave  Yotsuya  and 
its  neighbourhood.  The  Obasan  (aunt)  came  out  at  O'lwa's 
call.  She  greeted  her  niece  with  surprise.  "  Oya !  Oya !  Iwa  is 
a  stranger  to  this  house.  It  has  been  heard  that  a  splendid 
muko  was  received  at  Tamiya."  The  old  woman  looked  at  O'lwa 
shrewdly,  and  not  without  kindness.  O'lwa  took  heart.  She 
made  answer — "It  is  true;  of  late  matters  have  not  gone  well. 
Just  now  Iwa  would  ask  the  loan  of  a  sho  (V5  peck)   of  rice. 


110  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

together  with  a  bii  to  buy  eels  or  sashimi.^  It  is  very  rude  indeed 
.  .  ." — "  Very  rude  indeed !  ''  said  a  harsh  voice  close  by. 
O'lwa  shrank  to  the  outer  part  of  the  doorway.  The  aunt  fled 
to  the  inner  part  of  the  house.  Continued  Yoemon — "  And  what 
is  Iwa  doing  at  the  house  of  Yoemon?  That  there  is  relation- 
ship between  them  this  Yoemon  does  not  recognize.  Yoemon 
never  exchanged  look  or  word  with  his  brother  Matazaemon, 
nor  does  he  desire  to  do  so  with  the  issue.  Let  the  Tamiya  of 
Samoncho  look  out  for  itself.  A  muko  was  taken  without  aid 
or  advice  of  Yoemon.  A  stranger,  one  practising  wayside  divina- 
tion, this  fine  fellow  turns  out  a  gambler  and  a  debauched  man, 
to  the  ruin  of  the  House.  Iwa  can  look  to  him ;  ignorant  and 
foolish  woman  that  she  is.  This  Yoemon  would  contribute  to 
the  needs  of  a  beggar  before  granting  even  a  single  mon  to  Iwa." 
The  grating  rattled  sharply  as  the  angry  old  man  pushed  it 
to  and  let  fall  the  bar.  O'lwa  looked  into  the  dark  recess  with 
pained  and  startled  eyes.  So  much  of  a  recluse  she  was  learning 
that  lemon  had  long  been  the  talk  of  the  ward.  She  turned, 
and  slowly  took  her  way  back  to  Samoncho.  Here  the  reaction 
came.  Strong  was  the  inclination  to  laugh  and  weep ;  too  strong 
for  self-control.  In  alarm  she  ran  to  take  from  the  closet  the 
potion  of  Suian.  Its  efifect  was  the  opposite  of  what  she  ex- 
pected— or  perhaps  it  was  taken  too  late.  For  an  hour  OTwa 
writhed,  screamed,  laughed  in  her  agony.  Then  she  sank  into 
slumber.  On  awakening  the  sun  was  already  well  past  the  zenith. 
She  sprang  up  in  alarm.  This  meal  to  prepare — the  duty  of  the 
wife — and  not  d  step  taken.  It  could  not  be  helped.  Just  as  she 
was,  twisting  a  towel  around  her  disordered  hair,  she  started  out 
to  the  place  of  one  Kuraya  Jibei  of  the  Asakusa  Kuramae  no 
Saka.  This  man  was  a  lender  on  the  notes  from  the  rice  pensions 
of  the  samurai — a  fudasashi  dealer,  as  these  men  were  called. 

^The  monetary  bn  was  one-fourth  the  ryo;  the  shil  was  one-fourth 
the  value  of  the  bu.  A  hundred  vioti  =  one  seji.  To-day  there  are 
blind  shampooers  (and  for  massage)  at  500  mon  =  5  sen. 


THE  PLOT  DEVELOPS  111 

The  distance  was  great.  O'lwa  was-  tired  out  on  her  arrival. 
At  the  entrance  the  kozo  or  "boy"  hailed  her  sharply.  He  waved 
her  off.  "  No !  No !  Old  girl,  it  won't  do.  Nothing  is  to  be  had 
here.  Please  come  back  the  day  before  yesterday."  He  barred 
the  way.  Said  O'lwa,  shrinking  back — "  Nothing  is  wanted  of 
the  honoured  house.  An  interview  with  Jibei  San,  an  inquiry 
to  make.  Such  the  request."  Something  about  tone  or  manner, 
certainly  not  pity,  made  the  fellow  hesitate — "  Jibei  San !  A  beg- 
gar woman  wants  an  interview  with  Jibei  San!  How  about  it?  " 
— "  Nothing  to  be  had,"  answered  the  hantos  voice.  "  Tell  her 
to  read  the  white  tablet  hung  before  the  entrance.  It  is  all  the 
house  has  to  give."  In  speaking  he  edged  around  a  little.  OTwa 
raised  the  towel  from  her  face.  At  once  he  was  on  his  feet. 
"  Ah !  For  long  the  honoured  lady  of  Tamiya  has  not  been  seen. 
Many  and  profitable  the  dealings  with  Matazaemon  Dono.  Con- 
descend to  pardon  this  senseless  fellow.  He  outrivals  his  com- 
panions in  lack  of  brains.  Deign  to  enter."  The  koso  was  all 
apology — "  Condescend  wholly  to  pardon.  Deign  to  have  pity 
on  the  ignorance  shown.  With  fear  and  respect  .  .  ."  Look- 
ing into  OTwa's  face  he  was  overcome  by  his  feelings.  Bursting 
with  laughter  he  fled  to  the  front  of  the  shop  to  stuff  the  dust  rag 
into  his  mouth  in  mistake  for  a  towel.  This  slight  error  restored 
his  equanimity.  The  hanto  looked  after  him  with  some  fellow 
feeling  and  much  anger.  "  He  is  half  idiot.  Condescend  to  dis- 
regard his  rude  speech  and  manner.  After  all  he  is  but  a  kozo. 
.     .     .     What  can  this  Jibei  do  for  the  lady  of  Tamiya?" 

"  Knowing  that  the  House  has  dealings  with  Jibei  San,  and 
there  being  necessity  for  three  slid  of  rice,  it  is  ventured  to  ask 
the  loan."  Thus  spoke  OTwa.  Money,  actual  coin,  was  on  the 
end  of  her  tongue,  but  somehow  she  could  not  get  the  words  out. 
Jibei  was  not  particularly  astonished.  Since  lemon  had  taken 
charge  of  the  affairs  of  Tamiya,  its  income  was  usually  discounted 
well  beforehand.  Moreover,  the  rumour  of  lemon's  gambling  was 
spreading  among  his  connections.  Neither  Kwaiba  nor  Akiyama, 
nor  the  others  engaged,  were  men  to  lose  sight  of  the  likelihood 


112  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

of  fine  pickings  from  the  Tamiya.  Jibei  made  prompt  answer. 
"  Respectfully  heard  and  understood.  It  shall  be  sent  .  .  . 
Ah!  It  is  required  now?  Matsu !  Matsu !  Put  up  three  sho  of 
rice  for  the  lady  of  Tamiya.  Its  conveyance  is  to  be  provided. 
Place  a  bu  in  the  parcel.  The  distance  to  Yotsuya  is  great.  The 
kago  (litter)  men  are  exacting."  OTwa's  heart  leaped  with  grat- 
itude at  the  perspicacity  of  Jibei.  He  watched  her  departing 
figure  as  far  as  he  could  see  it.  Then  he  took  out  a  ledger;  and 
against  the  name  of  Tamiya  he  placed  a  question  mark. 

It  was  dusk  when  OTwa  entered  the  house  at  Samoncho. 
She  gave  a  start  on  finding  lemon  glumly  seated  before  the  fire- 
less  brazier.  "  A  fine  hour  for  a  woman  to  be  gadding  the 
street.     And  the  meal !     Unprepared :  excellent  habits  in  a  wife  ! 

"    To  the  Danna  apology  is  due.     This  Iwa  is  much  in  the 

wrong.  But  for  the  meal  money  had  first  to  be  secured  .  .  ." 
— "Then  there  is  money,  or  means  to  procure  it?  Where  is  it? 
How  much?" — "Nay,  the  rice  is  here.  This  bu  is  enough  to 
secure  eels,  sashiini,  some  delicacy  .  .  .''  She  hesitated  be- 
fore lemon's  doubting  glare.  He  was  eyeing  rice  and  money. 
The  mark  on  the  bag  caught  his  eye.  "  Whence  was  this  rice 
had?  And  this  money?  From  Jibei,  the  fudasashi  dealer?  A 
visit  paid  in  such  garb?  Truly  the  House  is  disgraced,  not  only 
by  your  ugliness,  but  by  ill  conduct.  Who  could  remain  in  such 
a  den?"  OTwa  threw  herself  in  his  way  as  he  rose  to  leave 
the  room.  Clinging  to  his  sleeve  she  pleaded  for  pardon,  as  only 
a  woman  can  do  who  has  done  no  wrong.  There  was  an  ugly 
look  on  lemon's  face  as  he  turned  on  her.  Frightened,  she 
would  have  fled.  Instead  she  could  only  crouch  like  a  dog  under 
the  blows  he  showered  on  her.  Then  with  a  violent  kick  in  the 
groin  he  rolled  her  over,  and  departed. 

O'lwa  heard  footsteps.  Had  lemon  returned?  Despite  the 
pain,  she  half  sat  up  in  her  dread.  Kondo  Rokurdbei  appeared. 
The  portly  man  held  up  his  hands  in  horror  and  benevolence  at 
what  he  saw.  "  But  OTwa — what  has  occurred  ?  Ah !  Kondo 
has  heard  rumours  of  what  is  going  on.     The  tatami   (mats). 


THE  PLOT  DEVELOPS  "  113 

screens,  drawers  (tansn),  clothes-baskets — the  house  is  com- 
pletely stripped  to  satisfy  the  thirst  for  the  money  of  others. 
Now  he  has  descended  to  blows !  Truly  he  is  a  miserable  fellow." 
Kondo's  voice  grew  loud  in  his  wrath.  "  This  must  not  go  on. 
Rokurobei  is  responsible  to  Tamiya,  to  the  ancestors.  To  be 
subject  to  a  fellow  like  this  will  never  do.  A  divorce  is  to  be 
secured.  Let  him  depart  with  his  plunder.  Let  him  have  every- 
thing ;  only  to  get  rid  of  him.  He  is  husband,  and  head  of  Tamiya. 
But  Kondo  will  be  too  much  for  him.  A  divorce  shall  be  secured. 
I  to  Dono,  the  ward  chief,  is  to  be  interested  in  the  affair.  Pressure 
shall  be  put  on  lemon  to  grant  the  letter  of  divorce."  Indigna- 
tion choked  the  worthy  man.  O'lwa  spoke  slowly,  with  pain 
and  effort.  "  Be  in  no  such  haste,  Kondo  Sama.  lemon  has  not 
been  a  good  man.  Much,  is  known  to  this  Iwa.  He  buys  women 
at  Nakacho.  He  buys  geisha.  He  gambles.  These  are  a  man's 
vices.  As  to  these  Iwa  has  nothing  to  say.  She  is  the  wife,  for 
two  lives  to  maintain  the  house  in  good  and  ill  fortune.  A  good 
wife  does  not  look  to  divorce  to  rectify  mistakes.  With  such 
remedy  Iwa  has  nothing  to  do.  But  is  not  Kondo  Sama  the 
nakodof  Was  he  not  the  mediator  in  the  marriage  between  lemon 
and  Iwa?  Deign  to  speak  as  iiakodo.  Rebuke  lemon.  Cause 
this  gambling  to  be  brought  to  an  end."  Rokurobei  could  hardly 
hear  her  to  the  end.  His  testy  impatience  was  in  evidence.  He 
broke  into  protest — "  This  is  complete  madness ;  utter  folly.  You 
allow  this  fellow  to  ruin  the  House.  He  will  dispose  of  the 
pension." — "The  goods,  the  House,  Iwa,  all  belong  to  lemon; 
to  do  with  as  he  pleases.  Iwa  is  the  wife.  She  must  submit 
.  .  .  Ah !  You  refuse.  Kondo  Sama  is  no  longer  the  friend 
of  Iwa,  to  act  as  nakodo."  What  had  come  into  the  soul  of  this 
gentle  woman?  Kondo  in  fright  shrank  back  from  the  look  she 
gave  him — "  A  very  demon !  The  mother,  O'Mino.  has  returned 
to  life.  Oni !  Oni !  You  are  not  human.  Kondo  assuredlv  will 
have  nothing  to  do  with  O'lwa,  or  O'lwa's  affairs."  He  left  her 
helpless  in  the  middle  of  her  fit.  Forgetting  in  his  fright  even 
his  clogs,  barefooted,  he  fled  from  the  house  in  Samonchd. 


CHAPTER  XII 

KWAIBA'S  REVENGE 

KoNDo  RoKUROBEi  went  direct  to  the  council  of  the  conspira- 
tors. He  found  them  assembled  in  the  house  of  Ito.  Kwaiba, 
lemon,  O'Hana,  Chozaemon,  Kibei,  were  drinking  sake.  Kwaiba 
as  usual  was  bragging  over  his  prowess  in  youth  extended  into 
age.  O'Hana  was  laughing  at  him  behind  his  back.  Kibei  was 
surly;  yet  his  share  of  income  was  assured.  Kwaiba  roundly  be- 
rated lemon  for  lack  of  energy.  "  OTwa  has  been  allowed  to 
get  the  upper  hand.  lemon  is  far  too  soft  to  deal  with  a  woman 
who  has  been  spoiled  all  her  life."  lemon  listened  in  silence, 
with  a  rather  doubtful  smile  of  acquiescence  or  contempt.  In 
fact,  knowing  O'lwa  as  he  did,  he  had  little  confidence  in  Kwaiba 
or  Chozaemon,  or  the  methods  they  proposed.  His  own  plan  was 
maturing.  Meanwhile  in  part  it  ran  parallel.  On  this  assembly 
burst  the  discomfited  Rokurdbei — "  Ah !  What  an  experience ! 
The  woman  is  a  very  fiend.  A  new  pair  of  geta,  bought  but  yes- 
terday, and  left  at  your  house,  lemon  Uji."  lemon  looked  at 
Kondo's  frightened  face  and  bare  feet.  Then  he  burst  into  a 
roar  of  laughter.  Kwaiba  was  indignant.  "  Is  the  fright  of 
Kondo  San  any  license  to  bring  his  dirty  feet  on  the  tatami. 
Deign,  good  sir,  to  accept  water  for  the  cleansing.  O'Hana  San 
now  is  inmate  of  the  house  of  Kond5;  yet  condescend  for  the 
moment  to  act  the  mistress  here."  This  was  part  of  the  arrange- 
ment. With  the  goods  of  OTwa  the  person  of  O'Hana  had  been 
transferred  to  the  charge  of  the  honest  Rokurobei.  There  lemon 
had  easy  and  decent  access  to  the  use  of  both. 

Said  lemon — "  What  happened  after  this  lemon  left  Samon- 
cho?  Kondo  Dono  has  been  frightened."  Kondo  puffed  and 
fumed  as  he  cleansed  his  feet  at  the  mounting  step.  He  groaned — 
114 


KWAIBA'S  REVENGE  115 

"  lemon  Dono,  you  are  certainly  done  for.  Was  it  '  three  years,' 
she  said?  Her  face  was  frightful.  This  Rokurobei  has  no  more 
to  do  with  the  affair.  He  goes  no  more  to  Samoncho.  Alas ! 
He  will  never  sleep  again.  Oh  !  Oh  !  To  be  haunted  in  the  next 
existence  by  such  a  rotten  O'Bake."  Said  Kwaiba — "  Did  lemon 
really  beat  her?  He  says  he  did."  Answered  Kondo — "She 
could  barely  move  a  limb.  Of  love  for  lemon  not  a  spark  is 
left;  but  she  clings  to  the  honour  of  Tamiya,  to  the  wife's  duty 
to  the  House.  There  is  no  moving  her.  Rokur5bei  is  suspect, 
as  not  doing  his  duty  as  nakodo.  Look  to  yourselves.  If  she  ever 
gets  suspicious  of  the  real  facts,  has  an  inkling  of  the  truth — 
look  out  for  yourselves." 

Kwaiba  was  thoughtful ;  lemon  was  indifferent.  None  of  them 
could  think  of  aught  but  the  venture  already  engaged  in.  A  week, 
ten  days,  passed.  In  that  time  every  effort  was  made  to  move 
O'lwa  to  consent  to  a  divorce.  As  Kumi-gashira,  Kwaiba  sum- 
moned her  to  his  house.  Before  his  kindly  sympathy  O'lwa 
melted  into  tears.  The  scandalous  treatment  of  lemon  had 
reached  his  ears.  Why  had  he  not  heard  of  it  before  it  reached 
such  extremes?  He  looked  indignation  at  his  messenger,  the 
one  who  had  brought  O'lwa  to  his  presence,  Akiyama  Chozaemon 
the  neighbour  of  Tamiya,  living  not  far  off  near  the  Ten-5.  Said 
the  ward  head — "  Kwaiba  always  took  this  lemon,  or  Kazuma, 
for  a  scoundrel.  A  stranger,  why  bring  him  into  the  ward?  But 
now  he  is  master  of  Tamiya.  In  the  place  of  the  excellent,  if 
obstinate,  Matazaemon.  Alas !  The  pension  of  the  House  is  said 
to  be  hypothecated  for  five  years.  And  the  household  goods ;  and 
separate  properties  of  Tamiya — all  gone?  "  O'lwa  nodded  assent, 
and  Kwaiba  threw  up  his  hands  at  such  wickedness.  At  all  events 
he  counselled  her  to  consider  matters,  to  accept  his  aid.  He 
would  place  her  somewhere ;  in  the  country  and  far  off  from  the 
ward  in  which  lemon  as  master  of  Tamiya  in  its  degradation 
would  always  be  an  unpleasant  sight  and  influence  in  her  life; 
at  least  until  lemon  could  be  expelled.     With  the  fellow's  past 


116  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

career  doubtless  this  would  happen  before  long.  Meanwhile 
O'lwa  was  to  pass  into  one  of  the  wretched,  overworked,  ex- 
hausted drudges  on  one  of  Kwaiba's  Shimosa  farms.  From  his 
chief's  expressed  views  Ch5zaemon  dissented.  This  was  the  one 
man  O'lwa  distrusted.  He  had  always  shown  dislike  to  her.  In 
defense  of  her  conduct  Chozaemon  was  too  clever  to  show  any 
warmth.  He  was  the  subordinate  making  exact  report  to  his  chief. 
OTwa  was  completely  taken  in.  This  friendly  neutrality  aroused 
her  every  grateful  feeling.  Said  Chozaemon — "  lemon  is  a 
coward.  A  samurai  beats  neither  woman  nor  dog.  If  either  are 
unfaithful  to  him,  he  kills  the  offender.  lemon's  conduct  has 
been  thoroughly  bad.  Before  the  reproaches  of  OTwa  San, 
beaten  in  argument  he  has  retaliated  by  beating  her  to  a  jelly.  Her 
face  bears  the  marks  of  his  violence.  As  to  her  body,  my  wife 
answers  for  it  that  it  is  a  mass  of  bruises." — "  Is  that  so?  "  said 
Kwaiba  in  deep  sympathy.  O'lwa  burst  into  tears.  Kwaiba 
fumed  with  rage — "  Truly  lemon  is  not  a  human  being.  He  has 
the  horns  of  a  demon." 

Then  the  priest  Myozen,  of  the  family  temple,  the  Myogyoji 
of  Samegabashi,^  appeared  at  the  Samoncho  house.  To  him 
O'lwa  looked  for  ghostly  consolation  against  the  ills  of  this  world. 
Instead  he  merely  chanted  the  old  refrain,  harped  on  the  scandal 
brought  on  Samonchd  by  the  continued  bickering  of  the  married 
pair.  Husband  and  wife  had  mutual  duty  toward  each  other;  but 
also  there  was  a  duty  toward  their  neighbours.  lemon  was  irre- 
claimable. .  .  .  This  stranger !  O'lwa  San  should  deign  to 
take  the  active  part  herself ;  not  afiford  this  ill  spectacle  and 
example  to  the  ward.  Like  most  parsons  he  was  convinced  by 
the  noise  of  his  own  voice,  and  spoke  with  the  intense  conviction 
of  long  rehearsal.     OTwa  heard  him  out  with  a  curious  chill  at 

'  Of  the  Nichiren  sect.  The  characters  of  the  "  Yotsuya  Kwaidan  " 
move  within  the  circle  of  this  Presbyterian  cult:  i.e.,  Presbyterian  in 
its  stiff  attitude  of  hostility  and  superiority  to  all  other  sects.  There 
is  another  Myogyoji,  neighbour  to  the  Ten-6  shrine. 


KWAIBA'S  REVENGE  117 

heart.  The  graves  of  her  beloved  hotoke  (departed  ones)  were 
in  the  cemetery  of  Myogyoji.  The  temple  had  been  one  of  the  few 
generous  features,  almost  extravagances,  of  Matazaemon.  It 
had  profited  greatly  by  his  donations.  It  was  the  honour  of 
the  House  against  the  argument  of  the  priest  and  the  convenience 
of  the  neighbours ;  and  all  because  a  bad  man  had  been  brought 
into  it.  "  What  the  revered  osho  (prebend)  has  said  reaches  to 
the  heart  of  this  Iwa.  Submission  is  to  be  an  inspiration  from 
the  revered  hotoke.  Iwa  will  seek  their  counsel."  Baffled,  the 
priest  left  the  house ;  veiled  censure  was  on  his  lips ;  open  diso- 
bedience and  contempt  on  the  part  of  OTwa. 

Said  Kwaiba — "  Chozaemon  has  failed.  At  least  this  Kwaiba 
has  saved  his  ten  ryo — and  gained  one  object.  Kondo  Dono, 
thanks  for  your  kind  hospitality  to  O'Hana  San.  Do  you  pro- 
pose to  adopt  her?  "  Kondo  made  an  emphatic  gesture  of  protest 
and  dissent.  He  said — "  At  least  Kondo  has  the  security  of  goods 
and  money  for  his  generous  expenditures." — "  Both  of  them  be- 
longing to  OTwa  San ;  just  as  Kwaiba  holds  the  acknowledgment 
of  Akiyama  San."  Chozaemon  made  a  wry  face.  The  prospect 
of  pressure  put  on  him,  with  all  the  added  accumulation  of  the 
months  of  interest,  was  not  a  cheerful  one.  Said  Kwaiba  angrily 
— "  Ah !  Whoever  would  have  suspected  such  obstinacy  in  the 
O'Bake;  she  who  always  was  so  yielding  within  her  home  and 
outside  of  it.  She  seemed  to  be  such  an  easy  mark.  It  was 
merely  a  matter  of  ordering  her  out.  And  now  she  baffles  this 
Kwaiba  of  his  revenge !  "  lemon  laughed  outright.  Kwaiba 
looked  at  him  with  surprise.  Was  this  charlatan  playing  a  double 
game  ?  Said  lemon — "  Fear  enters  at  the  words  of  the  honoured 
chief.  Pray  condescend  to  be  easy  in  mind.  As  yet  Chozaemon 
has  not  failed.  At  least  the  question  can  be  argued  with  the 
Kumi-gashira.  It  is  left  to  these  principals.  lemon  is  of  better 
counsel."  Then  after  a  silence  during  which  Kwaiba  intently 
eyed  him — "  To-morrow  OTwa  San  leaves  Yotsuya.  Kwaiba 
Dono  gets  his  revenge  on  the  late  master  of  Tamiya.     Pray  re- 


118  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

member  it,  in  favour  of  the  present  incumbent  of  the  House." 
Said  Kwaiba  fervently — "  lemon  would  be  a  son  to  Kwaiba ! 
Is  it  really  true — that  the  O'Bake  will  be  expelled  the  ward,  in 
disgrace  ?  "     lemon  nodded  assent. 

On  the  following  day  O'lwa  had  completed  her  ablutions. 
She  arrayed  herself  in  freshly  washed  robes.  Then  she  took  her 
place  before  the  Butsudan.  It  was  memorial  day  of  the  decease 
of  the  hotoke.  Earnestly  she  prayed — "  Deign,  honoured  hotoke, 
to  have  regard  to  this  Iwa.  The  year  has  not  lapsed  since  the 
hand  of  Iwa  was  placed  in  that  of  lemon.  Now  the  House  is 
brought  to  ruin.  No  heir  appears  to  console  this  Iwa  and  to 
continue  its  worship,  to  inherit  its  revenues.  '  Take  these  in  hand. 
Life  lies  before  lemon  for  their  enjoyment.  His  revenue  will  be 
ample.  Deign  but  to  have  the  honour  of  the  House  in  mind,  the 
continuance  of  its  line  as  object.'  Such  were  the  words  of  the 
honoured  Matazaemon  when  in  life.  Unworthy  has  been  the 
conduct  of  this  trust  by  lemon.  But  divorce  is  a  scandal,  always 
to  be  avoided  by  a  woman.  Return  the  love  of  lemon  to  this  Iwa. 
Deign,  honoured  hotoke,  to  influence  his  wandering  passions 
toward  this  child  of  the  House.  Cause  the  husband  to  return 
to  Tamiya,  once  more  to  uphold  its  rights  and  influence.  Such  is 
the  prayer  of  this  Iwa."  She  rose,  placed  the  offerings,  and 
struck  the  little  bell  with  the  hammer.  As  she  did  so  a  noise 
was  heard  at  the  entrance.  lemon,  carrying  fishing  rod  and 
basket,  and  followed  by  Natsume  Kyuzo  and  Imaizumi  Jinzae- 
mon,  burst  into  the  room.  All  three  were  more  or  less  drunk. 
Dumfounded  OTwa  looked  from  one  to  the  other.  Imaizumi 
carried  a  tub.  Kyuzo  knocked  it  from  his  shoulders.  Then 
tumbled  clumsily  down  on  the  cask.  None  of  them  had  removed 
the  dirty  waraji  (straw  sandals)  they  wore.  "  Why  do  so  in  such 
a  barn?"  hiccoughed  Kyuzo.  "And  this  sake;  Kyuzd  found  it 
without,  at  the  kitchen  door.  Jinzaemon  shouldered  it.  Whence 
does  it  come,  lemon  San?  Faugh!  It  smells  as  if  the  cask  had 
been  placed  for  the  convenience  of  passers-by  on  the  wayside. 


KWAIBA'S  REVENGE  119 

It  stinks.  That's  what  it  does."  He  gave  the  cask  a  kick,  knock- 
ing out  the  bung.    The  tihhy  liquid  poured  out  on  the  floor. 

lemon  appropriated  the  tub.  He  seated  himself  on  it."  'Tis 
the  fine  liquor  of  Tamiya.  All  the  house  possesses.  lemon  is 
hungry."  Opening  his  basket  he  took  out  an  eel.  He  began  to 
skin  it.  A  cry  from  OTwa  arrested  him.  His  wife  sank  down 
before  him  in  attitude  of  prayer.  "Importunate  jade!  What 
would  you  now  ?  Further  advice  to  a  husband  who  wants  but 
to  get  rid  of  the  sight  of  an  ugly  face?  Bah!  This  lump  of  a 
wench  is  neither  good  for  child-bearing  nor  for  house-keeping; 
she  is  not  even  a  good  rusu  (care-taker).  His  knife  made  a  rip 
in  the  skin  of  the  squirming  animal.  OTwa  laid  a  hand  on  his 
sleeve.  With  a  voice  in  which  sobs  mingled  with  the  petition — 
"  To-day  is  a  memorial  day  of  the  honoured  Hotoke  Sama;. 
Deign  to  refrain  from  taking  life  in  the  house;  nay,  before  the 
very  ihai  in  the  Butsudan.  Such  deed  will  cause  pain  to  the 
Hotoke  Sama;  bring  disaster  on  the  House,  perhaps  on  this 
Iwa  and  lemon  San."  lemon  fairly  roared  as  he  sprang  up  from 
the  tub — "  What !  You  noisy  slut !  Is  this  lemon  to  go  without 
food  because  the  hotoke  dislikes  the  smell  of  eels?  .  .  .  Jin- 
zaemon,  can  you  cook  eels  ?  "  Imaizumi  had  sought  the  roka. 
His  round  featureless  face  showed  his  fright  and  indecision  be- 
fore this  critical  quarrel  of  husband  and  wife.  Of  all  involved 
in  the  plot  he  was  the  most  unwilling  in  performance  of  his  role. 
But  he  answered  according  to  rote — "  lya !  lemon  Uji,  the  office 
of  cook  is  a  special  one.  Jinzaemon  is  no  cook.  He  leaves  that 
office  to  his  wife.  Moreover  the  cooking  of  eels  is  an  art  in  itself." 
— "  And  the  artist  is  here,"  chimed  in  the  malignancy  of  Kyuzo. 
"  OTwa  San  is  noted  for  her  skill." — "  Right !  "  said  lemon. 
"  Kyuzo  and  Jinzaemon  have  heard  the  refusal  of  OTwa.  Cook 
this  eel — or  else  lemon  pronounces  the  formula  of  divorce  against 
the  disobedient  wife." 

In  silence  OTwa  rose.  She  went  to  the  portable  stove.  With 
the  bellows  she  stirred  up  the  fire  therein.     She  did  not  dare  even 


120  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

for  a  moment  to  pray  at  the  Butsudan.  The  skillet  was  on  the 
fire.  The  eels  were  sizzling  in  the  hot  liquor.  Suddenly  lemon 
made  an  exclamation.  Taking  a  towel  he  grasped  the  handle  of 
the  vessel.  The  next  moment  he  had  forced  down  the  hot  pan 
and  its  contents  on  the  head  of  OTwa.  "  Kiya !  "  With  the  single 
cry  she  fell  over  backwards,  writhing  in  pain  under  the  infliction 
of  the  scalding  mess  streaming  over  face,  neck,  and  bosom.  Imai- 
zumi  fled  in  dismay.  Even  Natsume  Kyuzo  protested.  Seizing 
the  arm  of  lemon — "  lemon  Uji,  you  go  too  far.  Don't  kill  her." 
"  Kill  the  O'Bake  ?  It's  impossible."  lemon  spoke  coldly.  He 
was  the  one  person  of  collected  wits  in  the  room. 

Groaning  with  agony  O'lwa  came  to  her  senses.  A  man 
was  leaning  over  her.  Half  blind  as  she  was,  she  could  recognize 
Chobei.  His  look  was  grave.  His  voice  was  reticent  and  con- 
fused. "What  has  been  going  on  here,  O'lwa  Dono?  Ah! 
Chobei  comes  at  a  bad  season.  Ma !  Ma !  The  house,  too ; 
stripped  bare  to  the  very  boards,  and  the  season  still  wintry. 
Truly  this  lemon  is  a  beast — a  very  brute  (chikusho).  What 
is  Chobei  to  do?  There  is  this  matter  of  the  honour  of  Tamiya." 
He  wrung  his  hands  as  in  great  perplexity,  glancing  sideways 
toward  OTwa.  The  first  part  of  his  speech  she  disregarded. 
Such  talk  and  consolation  were  growing  stale.  That  all  should 
pity  her  caused  no  surprise.  Her  situation  was  not  unusual.  It 
was  the  last  words  which  caught  her  ear.  "  The  honour  of 
Tamiya:  Chobei  San?"  Chobei  turned  away;  to  put  some  pep- 
permint in  his  eyes.  Tears  stood  in  them  as  he  turned  again  to 
her.  O'lwa  was  alarmed.  "What  has  happened?"  She  caught 
his  sleeve,  drew  close  to  him.  He  answered — "  Chobei  cannot 
speak.  To  find  O'lwa  San  in  such  dreadful  state  renders  it  im- 
possible to  explain.  lemon  San  has  gone  too  far."  So  he  had, 
from  Chobei's  point  of  view  and  for  his  purposes.  These  young 
fellows  never  can  keep  within  bounds ;  even  in  abuse  of  a  woman. 
His  resentment  was  extreme.  O'lwa  insisted.  Finally  the  resist- 
ance of  Chobei  was  overcome.     lemon's  name  was  posted  at  the 


KWAIBA'S  REVENGE  121  - 

Kuramae  of  Asakusa.  He  was  in  debt  on  every  side.  As  the 
final  blow,  he  had  stolen  the  seal  of  Ito  Kwaiba  and  forged  an 
acknowledgment  for  twenty  ryo.  Kwaiba's  enmity  to  Matazae- 
mon  was  well  known.  He  liked  lemon  no  better,  and  would  pur- 
sue him  to  the  end,  force  him  to  cut  belly,  and  accomplish  the 
official  degradation  and  extinction  of  the  Tamiya  House  (kaieki). 
"  What  is  to  be  done  ?  "  He  turned  squarely  to  O'lwa.  She  said — 
"  Ito  Dono  has  been  kind  to  O'lwa.  Perhaps  if  request  be 
made  .  .  ."  Chobei  laughed.  "  Ito  Kwaiba  is  always  kind 
to  a  woman.  It  is  not  O'lwa  San  whom  he  hates.  But  this  is 
an  affair  between  men.  He  secures  vengeance  on  Matazaemon 
through  lemon  and  this  official  extinction  of  Tamiya.  It  is  too 
tempting.  He  is  not  to  be  trusted.  No  hint  of  the  deed  must 
reach  him.  Is  there  no  money  at  the  command  of  O'lwa  San? 
The  sum  is  but  twenty  ryo.  lemon  brought  this  news  to  Chobei 
last  night.  He  leaves  Edo,  to  go  in  hiding,  after  .  .  .  after 
.  .  .  punishing  the  .  .  .  Well !  Well !  He  is  a  wicked 
man.  Chobei  never  suspected  such  wickedness.  But  lemon  is 
not  the  issue.  He  represents  and  can  disgrace  the  Tamiya.  There 
lies  the  issue.  Has  OTwa  San  no  means,  nothing  in  coin?" — 
"  Less  than  a  bu,  sixty  mon."  She  held  out  the  coppers  to  Chobei. 
Said  Chobei  with  decision — "  There  is  one  resource  left.  There 
is  the  person  of  OTwa  San.  Deign  to  go  into  service  at  the 
pleasure  quarter.  Chobei  is  skilful.  In  seven  days  these  wounds 
can  be  healed.  Twenty  ryo  secured,  the  paper  is  taken  up,  the 
robbery  of  the  seal  is  never  discovered.  We  can  laugh  at  Kwaiba's 
anger.  All  is  for  the  Tamiya."  He  noted  that  OTwa  was  hesi- 
tating— "  It  is  but  as  a  pledge.  The  money  is  advanced  on  the 
person  of  O'lwa  San.  A  week,  ten  days,  and  other  sources  of 
loan  will  be  discovered.  This  is  the  only  measure  Chobei  can 
suggest.  He  has  no  means  of  his  own  to  meet  this  debt."  He 
smiled  as  at  a  thought — "  Perhaps  Kwaiba  himself  will  pay  his 
own  debt !  "  He  chuckled  at  the  idea.  "  Why  not  make  appeal 
at  once?  "  repeated  O'lwa,  grasping  at  any  straw  of  safety  from 


122  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

this  resource,  so  horrible  to  the  samurai  woman.  Said  Chobei 
promptly — "  Ito  Sama  knows  perfectly  well  the  state  of  Samon- 
cho.  Asakusa,  Hon  jo,  are  far  removed.  An  appeal  for  twenty 
ryo  as  surety  money  in  applying  for  a  situation  would  appeal  to 
him ;  the  other  would  not.  Besides,  thus  far  away  he  could  not 
investigate  closely,  if  he  would.  He  could  but  say  '  yes  '  or  '  no.'  " 
O'lwa  remembered  what  Kwaiba  had  said — the  necessity  of  re- 
moving to  a  distance.  The  words  and  actions  of  these  rascals 
dove-tailed  admirably.  A  long  silence  followed.  With  exultation 
at  heart  Chobei  saw  her  rise.  She  put  out  the  fire,  gathered  to- 
gether the  few  personal  articles  she  still  possessed.  On  seeing  her 
struggle  with  the  heavy  rain  doors  he  came  to  her  aid.  "  For 
the  time  being  accept  the  hospitality  of  Chobei's  poor  quarters. 
These  wounds  are  to  be  healed."  With  full  heart  OTwa  grate- 
fully accepted.  She  took  his  hand  as  if  to  kiss  it.  Chobei  hastily 
snatched  it  away.  In  his  sleeve,  the  ink  not  twenty-four  hours  old, 
was  the  paper  of  the  sale  of  O'lwa  to  Chobei;  her  passing  over  to 
his  guardianship,  to  dispose  of  as  a  street  harlot,  a  night-hawk. 
The  consideration?  Five  ryo:  payment  duly  acknowledged,  and 
of  course  nominal.  The  paper  of  transfer  was  in  thoroughly  cor- 
rect form.     Chobei  had  drawn  it  himself. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

THE  YOTAKA  (NIGHT-HAWKS)   OF  HONJO 

O'Iwa's  stay  of  nearly  seven  days  at  Chobei's  house  was 
one  of  the  golden  periods  of  her  life.  O'Taki  received  the 
Ojosan  with  humble  joy.  lemon  could  not  drop  Chobei  out  of 
his  life  of  prosperity.  O'lwa  was  soon  brought  in  contact  with 
the  humble  pair  in  adversity.  Her's  was  a  generous  heart,  and 
O'Taki  could  not  look  around  her  house  without  some  indication 
of  this  kindness.  Her  sympathy  with  the  wronged  wife  was 
great.  A  husband — thriftless,  a  gambler,  inconsiderate — of  such 
a  one  she  had  some  experience.  By  the  same  means  this  lady  was 
brought  to  her  present  pass.  It  roused  her  indignation.  As  to 
brutality ;  that  was  another  matter.  She  squared  her  stout  shoul- 
ders and  looked  derisively  at  the  loose  angularity  of  Chobei,  his 
rickety  physique.  But  the  storm  would  pass.  Ito  Sania,  Kondo 
Sama,  Myozen  Osho,  all  these  were  agreed.  The  Ojosan  now 
out  of  his  reach,  without  a  home  to  go  to,  and  only  hostile 
faces  met  with  in  the  ward,  lemon  Sama  would  soon  come  to 
terms.  Would  the  Ojosan  deign  to  honour  their  humble  home  as 
long  as  she  liked.  She  at  once  suppressed  OTwa's  rather  futile 
attempts  to  aid  in  her  rough  household  work.  It  had  been  the 
lady's  part  to  direct  her  maids  in  their  more  repugnant  tasks,  and 
now  brought  right  under  her  hand  in  this  plebeian  household. 
OTwa  never  had  undergone  the  harsher  lot  of  her  mother  O'Mino. 

Chdbei  in  his  way  was  as  kind  as  his  wife.  At  once  he  devoted 
himself  to  the  repair  of  his  property.  When  OTwa  produced 
the  paste  and  lotion  of  Suian  Sensei,  as  sovereign  for  the  com- 
plexion, Chobei  took  them,  smelled  and  carefully  tasted,  and 
finally  put  some  of  the  paste  on  the  end  of  the  liashi  or  sticks  to 
arrange  the  charcoal  in  the  hibachi.    A  smell  of  garlic  pervaded 

123 


124  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

the  room.  He  noted  the  puffy  face  of  O'lwa,  the  unnatural,  almost 
ghastly,  white  of  the  skin  where  the  wide  pockmarks  permitted 
it  to  be  seen.  Within  the  circles  of  these  scars  there  was  a  curious 
striated  effect,  only  seen  at  times  in  the  efforts  of  artists  to  depict 
the  supernatural,  or  of  savages  to  frighten  their  foes.  It  gave 
a  drawn  cadaverous  look  to  the  lower  part  of  the  face.  "  There  is 
more  in  it  than  that,"  mused  Chobei.  During  her  stay  OTwa  had 
one  of  her  attacks — of  nerves — in  fact  a  true  epileptic  seizure. 
Chobei  put  an  embargo  at  once  on  all  remedies  but  his  own.  Cyni- 
cally, he  added — "  But  elsewhere  there  will  be  no  Chobei.  If  the 
Okusama  deigns  to  apply  the  drugs  of  Suian  Sensei  where  she  now 
goes,  doubtless  she  will  find  early  relief.  At  present  they  spoil 
Chobei's  efforts."  The  clever  rascal  at  once  recognized  his  fellow 
in  Suian,  bribed  to  render  OTwa  more  hideous  than  Nature  had 
made  her,  to  take  away  her  womanhood  and  hope  of  an  heir  to 
the  Tamiya.  To  poison  her  ?  That  he  doubted ;  although  the 
ignorance  of  leech  and  victim  might  readily  lead  to  such  result. 

Within  the  seven  days  OTwa  San  once  more  could  show 
herself  in  public.  It  was  now  Chobei's  part  to  carry  the  plot  to 
completion.  lemon,  at  the  proposition,  had  said — "  Sell  her  as 
a  nighthawk !  An  ugly  woman  like  that  no  one  will  approach." — 
"  'Tis  Chobei's  trade,"  said  the  pimp  coolly.  "  In  Yoshidamachi 
they  have  noses — over  night.  Between  dark  and  dawn  the  member 
melts,  becomes  distorted,  and  has  to  be  made.  It  has  served  its 
purpose.  This  is  Chobei's  affair.  Provided  that  O'lwa.  never 
again  troubles  the  presence  of  lemon  Sama  the  object  is  attained." 
— "  That  is  true.  Do  what  you  please.  Kill  her,  if  desired. 
O'lwa  in  the  Yotsuya ;  and  Chobei  feels  the  wrath  of  Ito  Dono,  of 
this  lemon."  Unwillingly  he  signed  the  contract  required  by 
Chobei.  He  gave  the  latter  a  fee  of  ten  ryo  for  the  excision  of 
this  excrescence,  and  with  a  sigh  of  joy  learned  of  the  disappear- 
ance in  company  of  the  pimp  and  O'lwa.  Within  three  days  car- 
penters and  other  workmen  swarmed  over  the  Tamiya  in  Samon- 
cho.     The  master  made  ready  for  his  return. 


THE  YOTOKA  OF  HONJO  125 

O'Taki  had  gone  forth  on  a  mission  for  Chobei.  This  would 
insure  her  absence  for  the  greater  part  of  the  day.  Said  Chdbei — 
"  Deign,  Okusama,  to  allow  Chobei  to  prove  his  art.  All  his 
accomplishments  have  not  been  displayed."  To  pass  off  the  ugly 
woman  at  night  could  be  done.  He  was  compelled  to  act  by  day- 
light ;  though  relying  somewhat  on  the  dusky  interior  of  Toemon's 
entrance  and  reception  room.  This  Toemon  was  the  chief  of  the 
guild  which  bought  and  controlled  these  unfortunate  street- 
walkers, lowest  of  their  class.  Chobei  sat  down  before  OTwa. 
As  if  in  an  actor's  room  he  was  surrounded  with  a  battery  of 
brushes  and  spatulas,  pastes,  paints  of  all  shades  of  greys,  flesh 
colour,  pinks — even  reds.  Under  his  skilful  hands  OTwa  was 
transformed.  To  make  her  beautiful  was  impossible.  He  made 
her  passable.  The  weather  was  cold,  though  spring  was  now  close 
at  hand.  Chobei  hesitated.  The  walk  was  a  long  one.  His  handi- 
work might  fade  or  melt  under  the  sweating  induced  by  effort. 
Besides  he  had  no  desire  for  conversation.  There  were  to  be 
as  few  answers  to  curious  questions  as  possible.  In  his  house 
he  had  left  the  two  women  to  themselves,  and  saw  OTwa  only 
when  O'Taki  was  present.  So  he  called  a  kago  and  gave  the 
necessary  directions.  As  the  coolies  moved  off  with  their  fair 
burden  he  trotted  along  in  the  rear,  his  project  occupying  his 
busy  mind. 

The  place  of  Toemon  was  at  Yoshidacho  Nichdme,  in  the 
centre  of  the  Warigesui  district.  To  the  north  was  the  canal 
of  that  name.  To  the  south  a  second  canal  ditto ;  the 
second  stream  was  the  larger,  fairer,  and  more  preten- 
tious South  Warigesui.  An  equal  distance  to  the  east  was 
the  Hoonji  Bashi,  with  the  great  temple  of  that  name  just 
across  the  bounding  river  or  canal  of  the  district.  As  the 
kago  bearers  ambled  down  the  bank  of  the  North  Warigesui, 
OTwa  thought  she  had  never  seen  a  more  filthy  stream  than 
this  back-water  with  its  stale  current.  The  bearers  put  them 
down  at  the  canal.    Chobei  had  some  directions  to  give  during  the 


126  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

short  walk  of  a  couple  of  hundred  yards  to  their  destination. 
Said  he — "  For  a  samurai  woman  to  engage  in  this  business  is  a 
serious  offence.  After  all  the  matter  is  mere  form;  a  pledge  to 
secure  the  return  of  the  sealed  paper  forged  by  the  husband. 
The  wife  performs  her  highest  duty  in  saving  the  honour  of 
the  House.  Is  not  that  true?  "  There  was  a  little  sob  in  OTwa's 
voice  as  she  gave  assent.  She  felt  different  now  that  she  was 
close  at  hand  to  the  scene  and  crisis  of  her  trial.  Continued 
Chobei — "  The  agreement  has  been  made  out  as  with  OTwa, 
daughter  of  Kanemon,  the  younger  brother  of  this  Chobei  and 
green-grocer  of  Abegawacho  of  Asakusa.  Deign  to  remember 
that  the  twenty  ryo  is  needed  to  save  a  father  in  peril  of  default 
and  imprisonment." — "  The  cases  are  not  so  different,"  whis- 
pered O'lwa.  "  Just  so,"  said  Chobei.  "  Here  is  the  place.  Con- 
descend to  wait  a  moment,  here  at  the  entrance."  Briskly  he 
entered  the  house.  "  A  request  to  make !  " — "  Ah !  Is  it  Chobei 
San  ?  The  Danna  Sama  is  absent  for  the  day,  at  the  office  of  the 
ward  magistrate.  Some  drunkard  considers  that  he  has  been 
robbed.  The  girl  he  accused  was  punished — perhaps  unjustly. 
All  the  women  of  this  house  are  honest." — "  Beyond  repair," 
laughed  Chobei.  "  However,  the  other  matter  has  been  agreed  on. 
The  girl  is  here.  An  uncontrollable  jade  !  The  master  has  deigned 
to  aid  Chobei.  Thanks  are  felt.  Since  she  will  run  with  the  men, 
it  is  as  well  for  Kanemon  to  get  the  profit  of  the  business.  If  she 
breaks  out — put  a  ring  in  her  nose,  and  treat  her  as  the  farmers 
treat  their  cattle.  Don't  let  her  again  bother  home  or  Chobei. 
She  will  lie — of  course.  At  Toemon's  they  are  used  to  lies  ?  "  The 
woman  Matsu  laughed — "  No  fear  as  to  that."  She  looked  over 
the  contract  with  care.  "  Ah  !  She  is  sold  for  life  service ;  other- 
wise the  twenty  ryo  would  be  a  scandalous  price.  Is  that  her? 
.  .  .  Um !  Not  a  likely  jade.  Stand  a  little  in  the  light. 
.  .  .  This  Matsu  would  never  have  closed  the  bargain  with- 
out a  view.  But  Toemon  San  has  left  no  choice.  In  the  scarcity 
of  women,  and  his  good-will  to  Chobei  San,  he  would  pay  any  sum. 


THE  YOTOKA  OF  HONJO  127 

At  twenty,  ryo  she  is  a  gem !  You  can  come  up  here.  Take ! 
Haru !  A  new  girl.  Take  her  in  cliarge  and  show  her  the  house 
and  its  ways.  .  .  .  Chobei  San,  some  tea."  Chobei  put  a 
word  into  this  running  comment  and  invitation.  As  the  girls 
were  leading  ofif  the  hesitating  OTwa  he  said  loudly  and  roughly — 
"  Remember  to  obey  the  Okamisan  (wife)  in  everything.  What- 
ever she  commands  is  right  and  must  be  done :  no  nonsense.  Ah  ! 
Something,  forgotten  :  a  moment  please."  He  drew  OTwa  aside, 
seeing  that  she  was  on  the  verge  of  tears.  Speaking  gently — 
"  Be  astonished  at  nothing;  be  ignorant  of  everything.  The  house 
of  Toemon  in  Honjo  is  not  the  drawing  room  of  Tamiya  in  Yot- 
suya.  Deign  to  remember  that  Chobei  must  play  his  part.  Life  is 
like  an  excursion  in  a  pleasure  boat.  There  are  rough  places  to 
pass,  some  danger,  and  much  refuse  to  get  rid  of.  Condescend 
to  have  House  and  husband  in  mind.  It  is  but  for  a  week — or  so." 
— "  And  lemon  San,  the  House ;  they  will  be  secure  ?  " — "  That 
Chobei  is  assured  of.  See :  he  has  the  twenty  ryo  in  hand.  It  is 
mere  matter  of  securing  the  compromising  paper  and  the  return 
of  lemon.  Some  negotiations  are  necessary  for  that.  In  the 
future  his  behaviour  will  be  much  improved."  He  clinked  the 
coin  before  her.  As  O'lwa  passed  up  the  stairs  he  returned  to 
the  hibachi  of  the  wife.  The  tea  was  a  short  course.  Chobei 
was  on  needles  while  drinking  it.  He  feared  an  outbreak  from 
above  in  the  course  of  OTwa's  initiation  into  a  vileness  the 
depth  of  which  she  never  even  could  suspect.  "  Yes :  trade  is 
good.  Women  are  difficult  to  secure.  The  men  prefer  to  have 
them  in  their  homes,  rather  than  to  gain  by  their  service  else- 
where." In  such  professional  talk  df  a  few  moments  he  quickly 
dispatched  the  refreshment,  climbed  into  his  clogs,  and  departed. 
OTwa  had  disappeared  far  into  the  depths. 

Toemon  and  his  wife  were  quarrelling.  Said  the  woman — 
"  Are  you  mad,  to  pay  twenty  ryo  for  such  an  ugly  wench  ?  No 
choice  was  given.     This  Matsu  was  to  receive  her.     Chdbei  is  a 


128  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

cheat."  Toemon  and  the  banto  drew  O'lwa  under  the  Hght,  much 
as  if  she  were  a  bag  of  rice^"  The  clever  rascal !  From  crown 
of  the  head  to  neck  she  is  all  made  up.  And  perhaps  elsewhere." 
— "  At  all  events  she  is  a  woman."  The  banto  spoke  as  in  doubt. 
"  Never  mind :  we  are  great  artists,  too,  if  not  so  good  at  cheating 
as  this  Chobei.  Twenty-six  years !  She's  forty  at  least.  .  .  . 
What  may  be  your  honoured  age?  " — "  Twenty-six  years,"  replied 
the  distressed  OTwa.  The  wife  threw  up  her  hands — "  And  she 
does  not  lie  !  .  .  .  Haru  !  Kota !  It  is  time  to  go  out.  The 
bell  already  strikes  the  hour  of  the  dog  (7  p.m.).  Take  Iwa  to 
the  reception  room  (yoseba).  She  is  to  learn  the  ways  of  the 
place ;  where  to  entertain  her  guests.  .  .  .  Come !  Along 
with  all  of  you  !  "  Some  ten  or  fifteen  women  had  gathered  in  their 
array  for  their  night's  campaign.  Paint,  powder,  plaster,  dis- 
guised the  ravages  of  disease  among  the  hardened  set  of  this  low 
class  house.  O'lwa  accompanied  O'Haru  to  what  had  been 
called  the  yoseba.  The  girl  explained  to  her.  Here  was  the  place 
to  bring  and  entertain  any  guest  picked  up  on  the  street.  They 
were  not  the  degraded  wretches  who  made  the  darkness  of  an 
alleyway  the  reception  room  for  their  lovers.  It  was  to  be  re- 
membered that  the  wine  drunk  not  only  profited  the  house,  but 
paid  in  commissions  for  their  own  cosmetics  and  other  little 
gratifications.  On  entering  the  place  OTwa  shrank  back  to  the 
wall  in  horror ;  to  shrink  away  in  turn  from  the  filth  and  obscenity 
to  be  seen  on  that  support.  She  would  have  fled,  but  the  entering 
crowd  pressed  her  further  in.  It  was  a  long  room.  The  entrance 
formed  a  sort  of  parlour  or  place  to  sit.  The  rest  of  the  apartment 
was  divided  longitudinally  into  little  cubicula,  rooms  of  the  space 
of  the  one  dirty  mat  with  which  each  was  furnished.  A  shelf 
contained  its  cynically  filthy  and  suggestive  furniture. 

O'lwa's  disgust  and  terror  was  too  obvious.  O'Haru  held  on 
to  her  arm  to  prevent  flight.  The  attention  of  the  others  was 
drawn  to  them.    "  Does  the  beauty  want  an  apartment  to  herself? 


THE  YOTOKA  OF  HONJO  129 

That  is  the  privilege  of  the  Oiran,  the  Go  Tayu,  the  Kashiku.^ 
Ah !  Sister  dear ;  it  is  to  be  learned  that  this  place  is  Hell — First 
Block.  There  is  no  'second  block'  (riichome).  One  gets  used 
to  anything  here;  even  to  use  a  demon's  horns  for  toothpicks." 
Thus  spoke  a  hard-faced  w^oman  of  some  thirty  odd,  by  her  looks. 
Said  the  frightened  O'lwa  in  low  tones — "  Iwa  has  not  come  for 
this  service.  She  is  but  a  pledge.  This  redeemed,  within  the  week 
she  returns  to  her  home.  This  place  upsets  one's  stomach."  Those 
present  laughed  loudly.  "  We  all  say  that.  The  real  reason  for 
our  coming  is  not  to  be  told.  Be  assured  that  you  must  perform 
the  service,  or  suffer.  Condescend  not  to  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  Okamisan.  In  anger  she  is  terrible."  There  was  a  general 
movement  of  the'  women.  Said  O'Haru,  drawing  along  O'lwa 
by  the  hand — "  Come !  Make  no  trouble.  A  newcomer,  you  are 
sure  to  be  successful  and  please  Matsu  Dono."  O'lwa  resolutely 
held  back.  No  matter  what  the  suffering  she  would  undergo  it. 
Ah !  A  week  in  this  place  indeed  was  to  be  life  in  Hell.  She 
called  up  the  sight  of  the  dismantled  house,  the  figure  of  her  grand- 
father, anything  to  strengthen  her  will  to  resist.  O'Haru  left  the 
room.  "  Okamisan,  the  new  girl  refuses  to  serve.  Haru  makes 
report."  The  wife  of  Toemon  leaped  up  from  her  cushion. 
Dressed  in  night  clothes,  a  long  pipe  in  hand,  she  rushed  into  the 
room.  "  What  nonsense  is  this  ?  Which  slut  is  it  that  refuses  the 
service  of  the  house  ?  .  .  .  .  You  !  The  ink  on  the  receipt  for 
twenty  ryo  paid  for  your  ugly  face  and  body  is  hardly  dry.  .  . 
Pledge  ?  A  week's  service  ?  You  lie :  as  your  uncle  said  you  would 
lie.  You  are  here  for  life  service  as  a  street  harlot.  Out  with 
you  !    .    .    .    No  ?  No  ?  "  She  was  about  to  throw  herself  on  O'lwa, 

^  High  sounding  titles  given  to  the  great  hetairae.  The  difiference 
from  the  Greek  world  lay  in  their  not  being  independent.  They  were 
confined  to  the  houses  of  their  owners.  But  these  noted  women  were 
ransomed  at  times — even  by  great  nobles.  Thus  Date  Tsunamune  the 
3rd  daimyo  of  Sendai  bought  the  famous  Oiran  Takao,  weighing  in  the 
scales  the  woman  against  gold.  In  a  fit  of  passion  he  killed  her  soon 
after,  and  had  her  body  cast  into  the  Edogawa. 

9   .  • 


130  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

to  cast  her  into  the  street.  Then  her  passion,  to  outward  appear- 
ance, cooled.  She  was  the  woman  of  her  business,  malevolent 
and  without  pity.  "  O'Kin !  O'Kin !  "  The  others  now  gathered 
around  OTwa.  O'Haru  and  the  girl  O'Take  plead  with  her  to 
obey.  They  tried  to  hustle  her  off  by  force.  Said  O'Haru — "  Re- 
port had  to  be  made.  This  Haru  acted  for  the  best.  Truly  such 
obstinacy  deserves  punishment.  But  Haru  is  filled  with  pity. 
Deign  to  obey.  Go  forth  to  the  service.  The  result  of  refusal  is 
terrible."  O'lwa  shook  her  head — "  O'Haru  San  is  free  from 
blame.  Iwa  is  grateful  for  the  kind  words.  To  go  out  to  this 
service  is  impossible."  The  woman  O'Kin  strode  into  the  room; 
a  big,  strapping  wench,  and  the  understudy  of  O'Matsu  in  her 
husband's  affections.  "  A  new  recruit  ?  "  She  spoke  in  inquiry — 
"  Yes :  and  obstinate.  It  is  a  matter  of  punishment  in  the  scmeha. 
.  .  .  Now !  Out  with  you  all !  No  dawdling ! "  The  irate 
woman  turned  on  her  flock.    They  fled  like  sheep  into  the  open. 


CHAPTER  XIV 

THE  PUNISHMENT 

OTwA  did  not  move.  The  two  women  approached  and  laid 
hands  on  her.  Her  yielding  made  no  difference  in  the  roughness 
of  their  treatment.  Dragged,  hustled,  shoved,  with  amplitude  of 
blows,  she  was  already  much  bruised  on  reaching  the  place  of 
punishment — the  semeba,  to  use  the  technical  term  of  these  estab- 
lishments "  for  the  good  of  the  community."  During  a  temporary 
absence  of  the  mistress,  a  ray  of  kindliness  seemed  to  touch  the 
woman  O'Kin.  She  pointed  to  the  square  of  some  six  feet,  to 
the  rings  fastened  in  the  rafters.  "  Don't  carry  self-will  to 
extremes.  Here  you  are  to  be  stripped,  hauled  up  to  those  rings, 
and  beaten  until  the  bow  breaks.  Look  at  it  and  take  warning. 
Kin  is  no  weakling."  She  shoved  back  her  sleeve,  showing  an 
arm  as  hard  and  brawny  as  that  of  a  stevedore.  With  disapproval 
she  observed  OTwa.  The  latter  stood  unresisting,  eyes  on  the 
ground.  Only  the  lips  twitched  from  time  to  time.  As  the  only 
person  in  the  house,  male  or  female,  not  to  fear  the  Okamisan, 
O'Kin  could  only  put  down  the  courage  to  ignorance.  She 
shrugged  her  shoulders  with  contempt.  "  A  man  would  cause 
you  no  pain.  The  same  cannot  be  said  of  Kin.  You  shall  have 
the  proof."  Perhaps  severity  would  be  more  merciful,  by  quickly 
breaking  down  this  obstinacy. 

The  wife  returned  with  the  instrument  of  torture,  a  bow 
of  bamboo  wound  with  rattan  to  strengthen  it.  O'Kin  took  it, 
ostentatiously  bent  and  displayed  its  stinging  flexibility  before 
the  eyes  of  O'lwa.  The  latter  closed  them.  She  would  cut  off 
all  temptation  to  weakness.  At  a  sign  O'Kin  roughly  tore  off  the 
obi.  A  twist,  and  the  torn  and  disordered  kimono  of  O.'Iwa 
fell  to  her  feet  with  the  skirt.     She  had  no  shirt.     Thus  she  was 

131 


132  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

left  completely  naked.  In  modesty  she  sank  crouching  on  the 
ground.  The  cold  wind  of  the  March  night  made  her  shiver  as 
O'Kin  roped  her  wrists.  Again  the  woman  whispered  her  counsel 
in  her  ear — "  When  you  get  enough,  say  '  Un  !  Un  ! '  "  Detecting 
no  sign  of  consent  she  took  a  ladder,  climbed  up,  and  passed  the 
ropes  through  the  rings  above.  She  descended,  and  the  two  women 
began  to  haul  away.  Gradually  O'lwa  was  raised  from  the  sitting 
posture  to  her  full  height  of  extended  arms,  until  by  effort  her 
toes  could  just  reach  the  ground.  In  this  painful  position  the 
slightest  twist  to  relieve  the  strain  on  the  wrists  caused  agonizing 
pains  through  the  whole  body.  "  Still  obstinate — strike  !  "  shouted 
the  wife.  O'Kin  raised  the  bow  and  delivered  the  blow  with  full 
force  across  the  buttocks.  A  red  streak  appeared.  OTwa  by  a 
natural  contortion  raised  her  legs.  The  blows  descended  fast, 
followed  at  once  by  the  raised  welt  of  flesh,  or  the  blood  from  the 
lacerated  tissue.  Across  the  shoulder  blades,  the  small  of  the  back, 
the  buttocks,  the  belly,  they  descended  with  the  full  force  of  the 
robust  arms  and  weight  of  O'Kin.  Every  time  the  legs  were 
raised  at  the  shock  the  suspended  body  spun  round.  Every  time 
the  toes  rested  on  the  ground  the  bow  descended  witH  merciless 
ferocity.  The  sight  of  the  torture  roused  the  fierce  spirit  in  the 
tormentors.  O'Kin  redoubled  the  violence  of  her  blows,  seeking 
out  the  hams  and  the  withers,  the  shoulders,  the  tenderest  points 
to  cause  pain.  The  wife  ran  from  side  to  side,  gazing  into  the  face 
and  closed  eyes  of  O'lwa,  trying  to  detect  weakening  under  the 
torture,  or  result  from  some  more  agonizing  blow.  O'lwa's  body 
was  striped  and  splashed  with  red.  O'Kin's  hands  slipped  on  the 
wet  surface  of  the  rod.  Suddenly  she  uttered  an  exclamation. 
Blood  was  now  gushing  from  the  nose,  the  eyes,  the  mouth  of 
O'lwa.  "  Okamisan  !  Okamisan  !  It  won't  do  to  kill  her.  Deign 
to  give  the  order  to  cease.  She  must  be  lowered."  The  wife  coolly 
examined  the  victim.  "  She  has  fainted.  Lower  her,  and  throw 
saltwater  over  her.  The  sting  will  bring  her  to."  O'Kin  followed 
the  instructions  in  the  most  literal  sense.     She  dashed  the  bucket 


THE  PUNISHMENT  133 

of  water  with  great  impetus  right  into  O'lwa's  face.  "  Un !  "  was 
the  latter's  exclamation  as  she  came  to  consciousness.  "  She  con- 
sents !  She  consents !  "  cried  O'Kin  with  deHght.  The  wife 
was  decidedly  sceptical,  but  her  aid  plainly  would  go  no  further 
at  this  time.  Said  she — "  Leave  her  as  she  is.  There  are  other 
matters  to  attend  to  than  the  whims  of  an  idle  vicious  jade.  She 
would  cheat  this  Matsu  out  of  twenty  ryo?  Well:  time  will  show 
the  victor."  She  departed — "  to  drink  her  wine,  pare  her  nails, 
and  sing  obscene  songs  to  the  accompaniment  of  the  samisen." 

Tied  hand  and  foot  OTwa  lay  semi-conscious  in  the  cold  shed 
of  punishment.  At  midnight  the  girls  returned  to  this  "  home." 
They  gathered  around  the  prostate  OTwa.  From  O'Kin  they 
had  an  inkling  of  the  courage  displayed.  They  admired  her,  but 
none  dared  to  touch  her  bonds.  At  last  O'Haru  San,  unusually 
successful  in  her  night's  raid,  ventured  to  approach  the  half 
drunk  mistress  of  the  house.  "  Haru  makes  report."  She  spread 
her  returns  before  the  gratified  Okamisan.  Timidly  the  girl 
added — "  O'lwa  San  repents.  Deign  to  remit  her  punishment. 
She  looks  very  ill  and  weak." — "  Shut  up !  "  was  the  fierce  retort. 
Then  as  afterthought  of  sickness  and  possible  loss  came  to  mind. 
"She  can  be  untied  and  sent  to  bed." — "And  food?" — "She 
can  earn  it."  The  woman  turned  on  O'Haru,  who  bowed  hum- 
bly and  slipped  away.  That  night  the  girls  contributed  from  their 
store  to  feed  O'lwa  ;  as  they  did  on  the  succeeding  days  and  nights. 
The  wife  would  have  stopped  the  practice,  but  Toemon  interfered. 
He  meant  to  keep  his  dilapidated  stock  in  as  good  repair  as  pos- 
sible. He  fed  them  pretty  well.  "  The  woman  is  not  to  be 
starved — at  least  too  openly.  The  last  case  gave  this  Toemon 
trouble  enough,  and  on  the  very  day  this  epileptic  came  into  the 
house,  to  bring  confusion  with  her.  Beat  her  if  you  will ;  but 
not  enough  to  kill  her.  O'Matsu  followed  his  words  to  the  letter. 
One  beating  was  followed  by  another ;  with  interval  enough  be- 
tween the  torture  to  insure  recuperation  and  avoid  danger  to  life. 
These  scenes  came  to  be  regarded  as  a  recreation  of  the  house. 
The  other  inmates  were  allowed  to  attend,  to  witness  the  example 
and  fascinate  their  attention.    But  at  last  the  Okamisan  despaired. 


134  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Amusement  was  one  thing;  but  her  hatred  of  O'lwa  was  tempered 
by  the  desire  to  find  some  use  for  her,  to  get  a  return  for  the 
twenty  ryo  of  which  she  had  been  swindled.  Finally  the  advice 
of  the  banto  was  followed.  "  The  men  of  the  house  cannot  be 
tempted  to  approach  such  an  apparition.  The  other  girls  have 
not  time  to  devote  to  making  up  OTwa  as  for  the  stage.  They 
have  not  twenty  ryo  at  stake,  as  had  Chobei.  Let  her  wash  the 
dishes."  Thus  was  O'lwa  "  degraded  "  from  her  high  estate  as 
street-walker.  Turned  into  a  kitchen  drudge  she  shed  tears 
of  joy.  She  almost  forgot  the  matter  of  the  pledge  in  this  new 
and  pleasant  life.  The  time  and  the  place,  perhaps  the  drug  she 
took,  had  done  their  work  on  the  mind  of  OTwa.  lemon,  the 
house  of  Samoncho,  the  thai  in  the  Butsudan,  the  pleasant  garden 
— all  were  of  the  tissue  of  a  dream  amid  a  toil  which  deposited 
her  on  the  straw  wrappings  of  the  charcoal  and  in  a  shed,  thor- 
oughly worn  out  at  the  end  of  her  long  day.  The  OTwa  of 
Samoncho  at  this  end  of  the  lapsing  year  of  service  was  dormant. 
But  accidents  will  happen. 

There  was  excitement  in  the  house.  Mobei,  the  dealer  in  toilet 
articles — combs,  brushes,  jewel  strings — was  at  the  grating.  The 
women  were  clustered  before  the  wares  he  exposed  in  his  trays. 
This  Mobei,  as  dealer  in  toilet  articles  (koma-mono)  wandered 
all  the  wards  of  Edo,  his  little  trays  fitting  neatly  into  each  other, 
and  wrapped  in  a  furoshiki  or  bundle-handkerchief.  His  wares 
formed  a  marvellous  collection  of  the  precious  and  common  place, 
ranging  from  true  coral  and  tortoise  shell,  antique  jewelry  and 
curious  netsuke  of  great  value,  to  their  counterfeits  in  painted 
wood,  horn,  and  coloured  glass.  "  Mobei  San,  long  has  been  the 
wait  for  you.  Is  there  a  bent  comb  in  stock?" — "Truly  this 
Mobei  is  vexing.  He  humbly  makes  apology,  lady.  Here  is  just 
the  thing.     .     .     .     How  much?    Only  a.  bu.  .     .     Too  high? 

Nay !  With  women  in  the  ordinary  walks  of  life  it  is  the  wage 
of  a  month.  To  the  honoured  Oiran  it  is  but  a  night's  trifling.'.' 
The  other  women  tittered.    O'Haru  was  a  little  nettled  at  the  high 


THE  PUNISHMENT  135 

sounding  title  of  Oiran.  She  would  not  show  her  irritation. 
Mobei  continued  his  attentions.  He  laid  before  her  and  the  others 
several  strings  of  jewels,  their  "  coral  "  made  of  cleverly  tinted 
paste.  "Deign  to  look;  at  but  one  bii  two  shfi.  If  real  they 
would  cost  twenty  ryo." — "  And  Mobei  has  the  real  ?  "  The 
dealer  laughed.  As  in  pity,  and  to  give  them  a  glimpse  of  the 
far  off  upper  world,  he  raised  the  cover  of  a  box  in  the  lower  tier. 
They  gasped  in  admiration  before  the  pink  of  the  true  coral. 
Hands  were  stretched  through  the  grating  to  touch  it.  Mobei 
quickly  replaced  the  cover.  "  For  some  great  lady,"  sighed  O'Haru 
— "  Just  so,"  replied  Mobei,  adjusting  his  boxes.  He  had  sold  two 
wooden  painted  combs  and  a  string  of  horn  beads  in  imitation  of 
tortoise  shell.  He  pocketed  the  hundred  "  cash,"  those  copper 
coins  with  a  hole  in  the  centre  for  stringing.  Then  briefly — "  The 
necklace  is  for  no  other  than  the  Kashiku  of  the  Yamadaya,  the 
loved  one  of  Kibei  Dono  of  Yotsuya.  The.  comb  {kanzashi) 
in  tortoise  shell  and  gold  is  for  the  honoured  lady  wife  of  lemon 
Dono,  the  go  kenin.  But  Mobei  supplies  not  only  the  secular 
world.  This — for  one  who  has  left  the  world;  for  My5zen  Osho 
of  Myogyoji,  the  gift  of  Ito  Dono.  For  the  custom  of  Mobei  the 
Yotsuya  stands  first  in  order."  He  took  a  box  from  his  sleeve 
and  showed  them  the  rosary  of  pure  crystal  beads.  Even  in  the 
dull  light  of  a  lowering  day  the  stones  flashed  and  sparkled.  The 
women  showed  little  interest.  A  priest  to  them  was  not  a  man — 
ordinarily. 

He  shouldered  his  pack.  "  Mobei  San — a  comb  with  black 
spots,  in  imitation  of  tortoise  shell.  Please  don't  fail  me  on  the 
next  visit."  Mobei  nodded  agreement.  Then  he  halted  and 
turned.  One  of  the  women  had  called  out  in  derision — "  Here 
is  O'lwa  San.  Surely  she  wants  to  purchase.  Mobei  San  !  Mobei 
San !  A  customer  with  many  customers  and  a  full  pocketbook." 
These  women  looked  on  OTwa's  assignment  to  the  kitchen  as  the 
fall  to  the  lowest  possible  state.  At  sight  of  the  newxomer  Mobei 
gasped.     OTwa  on  leaving  the  door  of  Toemon's  house,   miso 


136  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

(soup)  strainers  for  repair  in  one  hand,  fifteen  mon  for  bean 
paste  (tofu)  tightly  clasped  in  the  other,  came  face  to  face  with 
the  toilet  dealer.  "  The  lady  of  Tamiya — here !  " — "  The  lady  of 
Tamiya !  "  echoed  the  astonished  and  curious  women.  Said 
OTwa  quickly — "  Mobei  San  is  mistaken.  This  is  Iwa ;  but  lady 
of  Tamiya  .  .  ."  Hastily  she  pulled  her  head  towel  over  her 
face.  In  doing  so  the  "  cash  "  slipped  from  her  hand.  A  mon 
missing  meant  no  tofu;  result,  a  visit  to  the  semeba.  In  recover- 
ing the  lost  coin  Mobei  was  left  in  no  doubt.  "  'Tis  indeed  the 
lady  of  Tamiya.  It  cannot  be  denied."  OTwa  no  longer  attempted 
the  impossible.  She  said — "  It  is  Iwa  of  Tamiya.  Mobei  San, 
a  word  with  you."  The  women  were  whispering  to  each  other. 
"  He  called  her  '  shinzo.'  "  Said  O'Haru— "  There  always  was 
something  about  her  to  arouse  suspicion ;  so  ugly,  and  with  such 
grand  airs.  And  how  she  endured  the  punishment!  Truly  she 
must  be  a  samurai  woman."  The  minds  of  all  reverted  to  their 
master  Toemon,  and  how  he  would  take  this  news. 

OTwa  had  drawn  Mobei  somewhat  apart  from  the  grating. 
With  downcast  face  she  spoke — "  Deign,  Mobei  San,  to  say  noth- 
ing in  the  ward  of  this  meeting  with  Iwa."  To  Mobei's  earnest 
gesture  of  comprehension — "  Affairs  had  gone  badly  with  Tamiya. 
lemon  San  was  misled  into  gambling  by  Natsume  Kyuzo  and 
Imaizumi  Jinzaemon.  He  was  carried  away  by  the  passion.  It 
was  no  longer  possible  to  stay  in  Samoncho.  Worse  conduct  fol- 
lowed. In  the  kindness  and  advice  of  Ito  Dono,  of  Akiyama  and 
Kondo  Sama,  this  Iwa  found  support.  But  she  disobeyed.  She 
would  not  follow  the  advice  given.  However,  gratitude  is  felt  by 
Iwa.  One  cannot  leave  this  place,  or  long  since  she  would  have 
paid  the  visit  of  acknowledgment.  A  matter  of  importance  arose. 
Chobei  San  came  to  Iwa's  aid,  and  saved  the  situation.  This 
place  is  terrible,  but  the  consequences  of  not  coming  would  have 
been  more  so.  To  Chobei  gratitude  is  felt.  It  was  the  oppor- 
tunity offered  the  wife  to  show  her  faith  and  courage."  Now 
she  looked  bravely  in  Mobei's  face.  It  was  the  toilet  dealer's 
turn  to  show  confusion — "  Honoured  lady,  is  nothing  known  ?  " — 


THE  PUNISHMENT  137 

"  Known  ?  "  answered  O'lwa  in  some  surprise.  "  What  is  there 
to  know?  When  this  Iwa  left  Samoncho  to  be  sure  the  house 
was  cracking  apart  everywhere.  The  hght  poured  in  as  through 
a  bamboo  door.  .  .  .  Ah !  Have  matters  gone  badly  with 
the  Danna  in  Iwa's  absence?  "  Mobei  shook  his  head  in  dissent. 
"  Alas !  Ito  Sama,  Akiyama  or  Kondo  San,  has  misfortune  come 
to  them,  without  a  word  of  condolence  from  Iwa?  Perhaps 
Chobei  San,  in  his  precarious  life  .  .  ."  The  poor  isolated 
world  of  the  thoughts  of  this  homely  creature  was  limited  to  these 
friends  in  need. 

Mobei  had  sunk  on  his  knees  before  her.  He  raised  eyes  in 
which  stood  tears  of  pity  and  indignation.  "  The  Ojosan  knows 
nothing  of  what  has  occurred  in  Yotsuya?  This  Mobei  will  not 
keep  silent.  With  the  affairs  of  lemon  Sama,  of  ltd  Dono  and 
Akiyama  San  nothing  has  gone  wrong.  The  absence  of  the  lady 
OTwa  is  otherwise  related.  She  has  abandoned  house  and  hus- 
band to  run  away  with  a  plebeian,  the  hanto  at  the  green-grocer's 
on  Shinjuku  road.  Such  is  the  story  circulated."  OTwa  drew 
away  from  him  as  from  a  snake — then :  "  Mobei,  you  lie !  Why 
tell  such  a  tale  to  this  Iwa?  Are  not  the  words  of  Ito  Dono, 
of  Akiyama  Sama,  of  Chobei  San  still  in  Iwa's  ears?  What  else 
has  she  had  to  console  her  during  these  bitter  months  but  the 
thought  of  their  kindness?  This  dress  (a  scantily  wadded  single 
garment),  these  bare  feet  in  this  snow,  this  degraded  life — are  not 
they  evidences  of  Iwa's  struggle  for  the  honour  of  husband  and 
House?  Mobei,  slander  of  honourable  men  brings  one  to  evil. 
Mobei  lies ;  lies  !  " 

He  seized  her  dress.  The  man  now  was  weeping.  "  The 
lady  of  Tamiya  is  a  saint.  Alas !  Nothing  does  she  know  of  the 
wicked  hearts  of  men.  Too  great  has  been  the  kindness  of  the 
Ojosan  to  this  Mobei  for  him  to  attempt  deceit.  Deign  to  listen. 
This  day  a  week;  was  it  not  the  day  to  a  year  of  the  Ojosan's 
leaving  the  house  in  Yotsuya  ?  "  OTwa  turned  to  him  with  a 
startled  face.     He  continued — "  A  week  ago  Mobei  visited  Yot- 


138  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

suya.  He  has  many  customers  there,  not  too  curious  about  prices. 
Hence  he  brings  the  best  of  his  wares.  Coming  to  the  house 
in  Samoncho  a  feast  was  in  progress.  There  were  present  ltd 
Dono,  Akiyama  Sama,  Natsume  and  Imaizumi  Sama,  Kondo 
Dono ;  O'Hana  San,  of  course.  All  were  exceedingly  merry, 
lemon  Dono  poured  out  a  cup  of  wine.  '  Mobei !  Mobei !  Come 
here !  Drain  this  cup  in  honour  of  the  occasion.  We  celebrate 
the  anniversary  of  the  expulsion  of  the  bakhnono.  The  demon 
is  driven  forth  from  the  Paradise  of  Yotsuya.  Namu  Myoho 
Renge  Kyo !  Namu  Myoho  Renge  Ky5 !  '  This  Mobei  was 
amazed— 'The  O'Bake.  .  .  .  What  O'Bake  ? '— '  Why : 
OTwa  San.  A  year  since,  with  the  aid  of  these  good  friends,  and 
one  not  present  here,  lemon  freed  himself  from  the  clutches  of 
the  vengeful  apparition.  Our  Kumi-gashira  granted  divorce  in 
due  form.  The  son  of  Takahashi  Daihachiro — Yanagibara  Ka- 
zuma — Tamiya  lemon  no  longer  catches  at  sleep  to  wake  in  fear. 
Chief,  deep  is  the  gratitude  of  lemon  for  the  favour  done  by  Ito 
Dono.'  The  Ojosan  a  hakemono!  At  these  outrageous  words 
Mobei  felt  faint.  Receiving  the  cup,  as  in  modesty  returned  to  the 
roka  to  drink,  the  contents  were  spilled  on  the  ground.  Ah ! 
Honoured  lady,  it  is  not  only  that  the  Ojosan  has  been  driven  out. 
Her  goods  have  been  cleverly  stolen  by  false  messages  of  gam- 
bling losses.  Stored  with  Kondo  Sama  they  were  brought  back 
on  the  success  of  the  wicked  plot.  The  whole  is  a  conspiracy 
of  lemon  Dono  with  Ito  Dono,  with  Akiyama,  Chobei,  Kond5,  and 
others.  They  bragged  of  it,  and  told  the  tale  in  full  before 
this  Mobei,  laughing  the  while.  Why,  lady !  On  the  word  of 
Chobei  San  the  order  of  divorce  was  issued  by  Ito  Dono.  Within 
the  month  O'Hana  San  left  the  shelter  of  the  house  of  Kondo 
Sama  to  enter  the  Tamiya  as  bride.  Deign  to  look.  Here  is  a 
jewelled  comb  reserved  by  lemon  Sama  as  present  for  O'Hana 
San  his  wife.  Here  is  gift  of  Ito  Dono  to  Myozen  Osho  for  his 
efforts  '  in  the  cause.'  " 

O'lwa  stood  as  one  frozen.     With  Mobei's  words  the  light 


THE  PUNISHMENT  139 

was  flooding  into  mind  and  soul.  Step  by  step  she  now  followed 
clearly  the  stages  of  this  infamous  conspiracy  against  her  peace 
and  honour.  She  had  been  fooled,  cheated,  degraded — and  by 
Ito  Kwaiba,  the  enemy  of  Matazaemon ;  by  lemon,  son  of  the 
hereditary  foe  Takahashi  Daihachiro.  Mobei  remained  huddled 
at  her  feet,  watching  with  fright  the  sudden  and  awful  change  in 
her  face.  The  words  came  in  a  whisper.  At  first  she  brought 
out  her  speech  with  difficulty,  then  to  rise  to  torrent  force — 
"  Cheated,  gulled  by  the  hereditary  foe !  And  this  Iwa  lies  bound 
and  helpless  !  'Tis  understood  !  The  end  is  at  hand — Ah  !  The 
poison  !  The  poison  !  Now  it,  too,  rises  ;  flowing  upward  to  heart 
and  head  of  Iwa.  Accursed  man !  Accursed  woman,  who  would 
play  the  rival  and  destroy  the  wife  !  The  time  is  short ;  the  crisis  is 
at  hand.  Chobei's  dark  words  become  light.  Hana  would  poison 
Iwa  through  this  treacherous  leech.  lemon  would  kill  her  by  the 
foul  life  of  this  brothel — Gods  of  Nippon!  Buddhas  of  the  Uni- 
verse !  All  powerful  Amida,  the  Protector !  Kwannon,  the  Lady 
Merciful !  Deign  to  hearken  to  the  prayer  of  this  Iwa.  Emma 
Dai-o,  king  of  Hell,  summon  not  the  daughter  of  Tamiya  before 
the  dreaded  throne  for  judgment — through  the  course  of  seven 
existences — until  the  vengeance  of  Iwa  be  sated  with  the  miserable 
end  of  these  her  persecutors.  May  the  sacred  characters  of  the 
Daimoku,  written  on  the  heart  of  Iwa  for  her  future  salvation,  be 
seared  out  as  with  hot  iron.  On  Ito  Kwaiba,  lemon,  Akiyama 
Chdzaemon,  Ch5bei,  all  and  every  one  engaged  in  this  vile  plot, 
rests  the  death  curse  of  Iwa.  Against  these ;  against  Natsume, 
Imaizumi,  Yoemon  of  Tamiya,  lies  the  grudge  of  Iwa  of  Tamiya. 
Gods  and  Buddhas — grant  this  prayer !  " 

A  violent  hand  was  laid  on  the  bosom  of  Mobei's  robe.  He 
screamed  in  terror  at  the  fearful  face  bent  over  him.  A  broad 
round  dead  white  swollen  face,  too  sharp  gleaming  malignant  dots 
darting  flashes  as  from  a  sword  between  the  pufTed  and  swollen 
lids,  froze  him  into  a  passive  object.  One  of  these  lids  drooped 
horribly  down  upon  the  cheek  of  the  apparition.     In  the  physical 


140  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

effort  exerted,  the  slit  of  the  mouth  showed  the  broad  black  even 
teeth,  which  seemed  about  to  clutch  at  his  throat;  as  did  the 
vigorous  hand,  the  nails  of  which  sank  into  his  gullet.  Framed 
in  the  mass  of  wild  disordered  hair  Mobei  was  isolated  as  in  a 
universe  of  space;  left  alone  with  this  fearful  vision.  "Lady! 
Lady  O'lwa !  Lady  of  Tamiya!  This  Mobei  has  done  naught. 
Others  have  wronged  OTwa  San.  Mobei  is  guiltless. 
Ah !  Ah !  "  With  fright  and  pain  he  rolled  over  on  the  ground 
in  a  dead  faint.  Screaming  and  shouting  the  women  Take  and 
Kota  rushed  around  and  out  to  his  rescue.  O'lwa  San  was  now 
under  the  full  control  of  her  disorder.  Takezo  staggered  back, 
her  hands  to  her  face  to  hide  the  horrible  sight,  to  wipe  from  eyes 
and  cheeks  the  blood  streaming  from  the  deep  tears  made  by 
OTwa's  nails.  Kota  from  behind  seized  OTwa  around  the  waist 
and  shoulders.  Sharply  up  came  the  elbow  shot,  catching  this 
interloper  under  the  chin.  Neck  and  jaw  fairly  cracked  under 
the  well-delivered  blow.  Kota  went  down  in  a  heap  as  one  dead. 
A  chiigen  coming  along  the  North  Warigesui  had  reached  the 
crossing.  He  thought  it  better  to  stand  aside,  rather  than  attempt 
to  stop  this  maddened  fiend  tearing  through  space.  At  the  canal 
bank  there  was  a  moment's  pause.  Then  came  a  dull  splash ;  as  of 
some  heavy  body  plunged  in  the  water.  With  a  cry  the  man 
hastened  forward.  Not  a  sign  of  anything  could  be  seen.  In  this 
rural  place  no  help  was  to  be  had,  and  he  was  little  inclined  to' 
plunge  at  random  into  the  foul  stream.  In  haste  he  turned  back 
to  where  a  crowd  was  gathering  around  the  prostrate  Mobei,  the 
groaning  harlots  to  whom  punishment  had  been  meted  out. 


CHAPTER  XV 

CHOBEI  GETS  THE  NEWS 

The  chugcn  stood  over  the  toilet  dealer  now  coming  out  of 
his  half-trance  condition.  The  eyes  of  the  two  men  met  and  showed 
mutual  astonishment.  "  Naruhodo  !  Mobei  San  !  In  a  quarrel 
over  his  wares  with  the  vile  women  of  this  district?" — "  Kaku- 
suke  San !  Ah !  There  is  much  to  tell.  OTwa  San  .  .  ." 
The  chugen  of  Ito  Kwaiba  was  amazed  attention.  "  This  Mobei 
to  his  ill  fortune,  met  with  the  lady  of  Tamiya.  Her  condition, 
her  ignorance,  was  too  pitiful.  Learning  all  the  truth  from  Mobei 
she  inflicted  on  him  this  punishment.  May  it  cease  there !  Namu 
Amida  Butsu  !  Namu  Amida  Butsu  !  .  .  .  Heavy  the  grudge 
against  your  master  Ito  Dono ;  against  lemon  Sania,  his  wife 
O'Hana  San,  all  in  the  plot  against  the  Lady  OTwa.  '  To  seven 
existences  grant  this  Iwa  opportunity  to  vent  her  anger.  Every 
one  of  the  perpetrators  of  this  deed  shall  be  seized  and  put  to 
death.'  She  invoked  all  the  gods  and  Buddhas ;  Nay,  the  king 
of  Hell — Emma  Dai-6  himself.  Look  to  yourself,  Kakusuke  San. 
Deign  to  seek  employment  elsewhere."  Kakusuke  completed 
his  task  of  raising  the  battered  and  scratched  toilet  dealer  to  his 
feet.  "  Mobei  San,  you  have  acted  the  fool ;  without  doubt.  Re- 
late what  has  happened."  Mobei  did  so  in  full  detail.  Kakusuke 
was  thoughtful.  "  Much  of  this  Kakusuke  hears  for  the  first 
time.  A  servant  gets  but  snatches  of  the  inside  of  such  matters. 
Just  now  the  mission  has  been  from  his  master,  Ito  Dono,  to  the 
Inagaki  yashiki  near  Hoonji;  matter  of  transfer  invplved  in  the 
late  adoption  of  Kibei  Dono  into  the  House  of  the  Danna  Sama. 
So  that  scoundrel  Chobei  sold  the  lady  of  Tamiya  to 
Toemon  for  a  harlot.  Alas !  She  deserved  a  better  fate.  One 
way  or  another  they  would  kill  her ;  and  Chobei,  his  money  in 
hand,  abetted  the  crime.     Where  is  this  brothel?  " 

141 


142  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Surrounded  by  his  women  Toemon  was  listening  to  their  ex- 
cited statements.  Takezo  was  crying  with  rage  and  pain,  as  she 
examined  her  fissured  countenance  before  a  toilet  stand  (kyodai). 
Kota,  brought  back  to  consciousness,  lay  groaning  in  a  corner. 
They  were  applying  cold  compresses  to  her  broken  jaw.  Toemon 
looked  up  suspiciously  as  Kakusuke  entered,  supporting  the  lamed 
and  maimed  Mobei.  "  Look  to  this  man's  wares,  scattered  in 
the  roadway;  and  to  the  man  himself."  He  spoke  roughly,  and 
with  authority.  Toemon  did  not  dare  to  resent  his  manner.  With 
well  feigned  solicitude  he  addressed  Mobei — "  Ma !  Ma !  A  ter- 
rible punishment.  Your  fare  has  the  blush  of  the  plum  blossom 
marked  upon  it.  .  .  .  O'Haru,  run  to  the  house  of  Waki- 
yama  Sensei.  Kota  is  badly  hurt ;  his  skill  is  needed.  Stop 
at  the  drug  store.  Here  is  the  '  cash  '  to  bring  salve  for  this  good 
man's  wounds.  Alas !  That  a  woman  of  Toemon's  house  should 
so  maltreat  others.  When  caught  her  punishment.  .  .  ." — 
"  Shut  up !  "  said  Kakusuke.  He  had  already  taken  his  line  of 
conduct  in  his  master's  interest.  "  How  comes  it  that  the  Lady 
O'lwa  is  found  at  the  house  of  Toemon?  " — "  The  Lady  O'lwa  !  " 
replied  the  brothel  keeper  in  well-feigned  surprise."  Turning 
to  Mobei — "  It  is  true,  then,  what  the  women  report ;  that  Mobei 
San  called  the  O'lwa  of  this  house  '  Shinzo.'  Who  is  this 
O'lwa  ?  "  Said  Kakusuke  coldly — "  The  Lady  O'lwa  is  the  grand- 
daughter and  heir  of  Tamiya  Matazaemon,  a  higher  doshin.  She 
is  the  wife  of  the  go-kenin,  Tamiya  lemon." 

Toemon  now  was  truly  aghast.  "  Heir  and  wife  of  go-kenin! 
This  Toemon  had  not  the  slightest  inkling  of  her  status.  Chobei 
has  juggled  this  Toemon  most  outrageously."  He  turned  savagely 
on  O'MatSu.  "  So  much  for  stupid  brutality.  One  must  give 
you  head,  or  have  no  peace.  Why  not  treat  the  woman  kindly, 
learn  her  story?  Lies  or  truth  that  of  all  the  women  in  the  house 
is  known.  But  O'lwa  San  was  a  mark  for  malice.  Chobei  has 
lied.  Between  you  the  house  is  ruined.  Since  when  were  samurai 
women  sold  to  life  service?    Fool !    It  means  imprisonment,  exile. 


CHOBEI  GETS  THE  NEWS  143 

to  those  implicated.  This  Toemon  ends  his  days  among  the  savage 
fishermen  of  Sado."  He  would  have  struck  her.  Kakusuke  and 
the  banto  interposed.  The  woman  did  not  budge.  Defiant,  she 
stood  with  folded  arms — "  It  was  Toemon's  arrangement  to  buy 
her  in  blind  belief  of  Chdbei.  Why  blame  this  Matsu?  Since 
when  were  women  exempt  from  service  or  punishment?  The 
rule  of  the  house  is  one  or  the  other.  How  long  has  it  been  since 
O'Seki  left  the  house — in  a  box ;  and  Toemon  had  to  make  answer 
at  the  office."  Then  catching  herself  up  in  the  presence  of 
strangers — "  Danna  Sama,  this  is  no  time  for  a  quarrel.  Those  of 
the  house  will  say  nothing;  in  their  own  interest.  As  for  this 
worthy  gentleman,  the  Lady  O'lwa  was  wife  and  heir  neither  of 
himself  nor  his  master.  Toemon  San  is  grossly  neglectful  of 
courtesy  due  to  guests.  Leave  Mobei  San  to  this  Matsu."  She 
whispered  in  his  ear. 

Toemon  had  now  recovered  his  balance.  Kakusuke  was  a 
chugen.  He  had  an  object  in  coming  to  Toemon's  house,  instead 
of  making  report  at  once  to  his  master,  to  the  outraged  lemon 
Dono.  Of  course  Toerhon  misintrepreted  this  motive;  and  Kaku- 
suke was  quite  ready  to  profit  by  his  mistake.  To  the  now  cour- 
teous brothel  keeper  he  was  equally  cordial.  O'Matsu  and  her 
women  carried  ofif  Mobei,  to  salve  his  wounds,  regale  him  with 
fish  and  wine  and  good  treatment,  carefully  to  make  inventory 
of  his  goods,  and  repack  them  with  substantial  diminution  of 
purchases.  What  more  could  Mobei  ask.  His  valued  rosary, 
the  necklace,  the  kanzashi,  all  the  treasures  were  uninjured.  His 
exchequer  was  palpably  swollen,  and  more  pleasingly  than  his 
phiz.  His  beating  had  turned  out  a  good  day's  venture ;  and  with- 
out misgiving  he  can  be  left  in  the  careful  hands  of  O'Matsu  and 
her  women.  Meanwhile  Kakusuke  and  Toemon  sat  over  their 
wine.  From  the  chugen  and  toilet  dealer  the  latter  secured  a 
complete  view  of  his  situation.  It  was  bad,  but  not  irreparable. 
As  Kakusuke  with  due  tardiness  prepared  to  depart,  the  hospitable 
innkeeper  had  ample  time  to  prostrate  himself  in  salutation,  mean- 


144  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

while  pushing  over  a  golden  ryo  wrapped  up  in  decently  thin  paper 
which  permitted  the  filtering  through  of  its  yellow  gleam."  Great 
has  been  the  trouble  and  delay  of  Kakusuke  San.  Mark  not  this 
day  in  memory,  good  Sir."  Kakusuke  was  equally  polite  in  salu- 
tation-^" Fear  enters:  thanks  for  the  kind  entertSainment  of 
Toemon  San.  This  alone  is  to  be  kept  in  mind,  mark  of  a  day 
otherwise  of  but  little  import."  These  last  words  were  a  healing 
balm;  and  Toemon  rejoiced. 

With  the  departure  of  Kakusuke,  the  chief  of  the  "  night- 
hawks  "  turned  at  once  to  his  aids.  "  Take !  Haru !  .  .  , 
Ah !  Kota  is  completely  done  up.  You,  Take,  bear  the  marks  of 
the  day's  encounter.  Go  to  Asakusa  Hanagawado.  Chobei  is  to  be 
brought  here  at  once.  The  house  must  clear  its  skirts  of  this 
affair.  If  he  refuses  to  come,  put  a  rope  about  his  neck  and  drag 
him  here."  The  women  bowed.  At  once  they  prepared  for  the 
street,  a  mission  welcome  enough  under  other  conditions.  O'Take 
was  smarting  from  her  wounds  and  not  very  willing  to  be  an  object 
lesson.  O'Haru  had  in  mind  the  fearful  curse  of  OTwa,  plainly 
heard  by  the  women.  Very  willingly  she  would  have  had  nothing 
to  do  with  the  affair. 

Chobei  was  engaged  at  go  with  the  metal  dealer  of  his  neigh- 
bourhood. The  fish  and  wine  were  in  course  of  preparation  in 
the  kitchen  close  by  and  under  the  skilled  hands  of  O'Taki. 
The  perfume,  vinous  and  of  viands,  came  to  the  noses  of  the 
competitors,  to  the  disturbance  of  their  game.  Chobei  had  just 
made  a  profitable  stroke.  He  had  five  ryo  in  hand,  commission 
from  the  worthy  doguya  for  the  successful  sale  of  a  daughter 
to  the  Yamadaya  of  Nakanocho.  This  enterprising  plebeian, 
having  a  son  to  succeed  him  in  the  business,  had  secured  the  neces- 
sary furnishing  and  adoption  of  a  second  son  into  the  rival  house 
of  the  ward,  by  means  of  the  fifty  ryo  secured  for  the  girl  through 
the  experience  and  clever  tactics  of  Chobei.  Many  the  compli- 
ments and  congratulations  exchanged  by  these  excellent  men  and 
worthy  representatives  of  their  class  as  they  tussled  over  their 


CHOBEI  GETS  THE  NEWS  145 

game  of  go.  Profuse  were  the  thanks  of  the  metal  dealer  for 
past  services  and  future  feasting.  -It  was  with  some  displeasure 
therefore  that  O'Taki  had  her  offices  interrupted  to  respond  to  a 
loud  and  harsh—"  Request  to  make !  "  sounded  at  the  house  en- 
trance. Said  she  crossly — "  Who  is  it  ?  .  .  .  Ah  !  O'Take 
and  O'Haru  San  of  Toemon  Sama."  Then  in  wonder — "  Oya ! 
Oya !  O'Take  San.  .  .  .  Your  honoured  face.  .  .  .  Has 
O'Take  San  gone  to  bed  in  the  dark  with  the  cat  ?  "  Answered 
O'Take,  in  no  amiable  mood — "  It  could  well  have  been.  Your 
man  Chobei  deals  in  such  articles.  There  are  the  marks  of 
O'lwa's  nails.  As  for  Chobei,  is  the  precious  rascal  at  home?" 
O'Taki  heard  her  with  rising  rage — "  O'lwa?  What  has 
Chobei  San  to  do  with  any  O'lwa  and  the  house  of  Toemon  San  ? 
Why  call  the  man  of  Taki  a  scoundrel?  " — "  Because  he  is  such. 
Nay,  Okamisan,  don't  get  angry." — O'Haru  was  speaking — "  has 
your  husband  a  brother  in  Abegawacho,  a  brother  in  need  of 
twenty  ryo  and  with  a  daughter  who  would  do  nothing  but  run 
after  the  men?"  O'Taki  was  puzzled.  "Chobei  San  has  no 
brother,  in  Abegawacho  or  any  other  cho.  Hence  such  brother 
has  no  daughter  O'lwa;  nor  are  there  children  of  his  own,  except 
the  one  born  to  him  by  this  Taki,  and  a  girl  already  sold.  .  .  ." 
A  light  was  breaking  in  on  O'Taki.  Months  before  she  had  come 
home  to  find  that  the  Ojosan  had  taken  her  departure.  Explained 
Chobei — "  At  Yotsuya  everything  has  been  adjusted.  lemon  Dono 
is  established  again  with  his  wife.  The  Okusama  will  not  come 
back  to  us.  Deign  to  rejoice  at  the  auspicious  settlement  of  her 
afifairs."  Which  O'Taki  did;  all  the  more  as  Chobei  often  was 
in  funds  in  the  successive  days  through  Tamiya.  Now  she  looked 
from  one  woman  to  the  other,  her  fists  clenched  and  working. 
Said  the  harsh  voice  of  O'Take — "  Chobei  lied  then ;  just  as  the 
Danna  Sama  thought.  Nearly  a  year  ago  he  brought  to  the 
house  the  daughter  of-  his  brother  Kanemon.  He  sold  her  into 
life  service  as  a  nighthawk.  For  this  she  turned  out  to  be  worth- 
less. O'Taki  San  knows  our  Okamisan.  No  matter  how  severely 
10 


146  THE  YOTSUYA  KVVAIDAN 

beaten,  even  until  the  blood  came,  O'lwa  would  not  consent  to 
serve.  Other  means  were  tried,  but  the  men  of  the  house  would 
have  nothing  to  do  with  her.  She  was  too  ugly.  Finally  she  was 
degraded  into  being  the  kitchen  wench,  to  fetch  and  carry,  and 
do  the  hardest  and  most  nauseating  tasks.  At  this  downfall  in 
her  prospects  like  a  very  fool  she  rejoiced.  To-day  she  met 
the  toilet  dealer  Mobei.  He  recognized  her  as  the  Lady  O'lwa 
of  Tamiya  in  the  Yotsuya.  Drawn  apart  they  spoke  together. 
Suddenly  she  was  transformed  into  a  demon.  Leaping  on  Mobei 
she  tore  and  clutched  at  him.  Kota  and  this  Take  ran  to  aid  him. 
Kota  lies  helpless  and  with  a  broken  jaw.  Truly  it  might  have 
been  the  kick  of  a  horse  she  received.  This  Take  is — as  can 
be  seen.  The  Lady  OTwa  disappeared  toward  Warigesui.  A 
chugen  saw  her  leap  in.  Probably  she  has  killed  herself.  .  .  . 
And  now,  O'Taki  San,  is  not  your  man  Chobei  a  scoundrel  ?  " 

Said  O'Taki — "  Rightly  spoken ;  more  than  right.  Wait  here." 
Abruptly  she  entered  the  inner  room.  To  Chobei — "  You  .  .  . 
my  fine  fellow  ...  is  this  a  time  for  go?  Up  and  off  with 
you ;  to  accompany  O'Take  and  O'Haru  from  Toemon's  in 
Honjo.  A  pretty  business  is  in  preparation  there."  Said  the 
embarrassed  and  enraged  Chobei — "  Wh-what  does  this  rude  en- 
trance of  Taki  mean  ?  Is  not  the  master  of  the  metal  shop  present  ? 
Is  such  language,  such  abruptness,  to  be  used  in  his  presence  ?  " — 
"  The  Danna  of  the  doguya  is  certainly  present,"  coolly  replied  the 
woman.  "  It  would  be  better  if  he  was  at  home.  .  .  .  Hon- 
oured Sir,  pray  betake  yourself  there.  This  Chobei  has  business 
with  Toemon  Sama  of  Honjo,  the  brothel  keeper  and  chief  of  the 
nighthawks,  to  whom  he  has  sold  for  life  service  as  a  street  harlot 
the  Lady  O'lwa,  wife  of  the  go-kenin  lemon  Dono  and  heir  of 
Tamiya  Matazaemon  the  doshin.  A  man  can  be  too  clever — as 
this  Chobei,  who  cheats  his  wife  and  all  others.  Do  you  be 
clever  enough  to  take  the  hint  and  depart.  .  .  .  Off  with 
you !  "  The  doguya  had  sat  in  silence.  His  eyes  were  popping 
out  of  his  head  in  frightened  amaze.     Chobei  bounded  up  in  a 


CHOBEI  GETS  THE  NEWS  *    147 

rage — "  You  huzzy — shut  up !  Would  you  pubHsh  the  affairs 
of  this  Chobei  to  the  world?  Many  a  bridge  is  to  be  passed  in 
the  course  through  this  world;  and  none  too  sure  the  footing. 
Money  must  be  had  to  live  and  enjoy  life.  The  result,  not  the 
means,  is  the  important  factor  in  its  acquisition.  Such  rudeness 
to  a  guest!  Vile  jade,  Chobei  will  .  .  ."  O'Take  and  O'Haru 
had  to  interfere — "  Fight  it  out  later,  Chobei  San.  This  quarrel  is 
no  concern  of  ours.  The  sooner  the  master  is  seen,  the  better  for 
Chobei  San.  His  rage  is  great,  and  mounting.  You  have  the  con- 
tract ?  With  that  face  the  master ;  if  you  can." — "  Just  so  !  Just  so  ! 
As  for  this  wench — she  shall  have  something  to  remember  this  Cho- 
bei by  .  .  ."  The  worthy  and  trembling  metal  dealer  took  this  re- 
mark as  threat  of  renewed  violence.  "  For  the  kind  reception 
and  entertainment :  thanks.  Jubei  calls  later."  Nimbly  he  was  on 
his  feet.  Diving  under  the  haori  into  which  Chobei  was  strug- 
gling he  bounced  out  the  front,  leaving  Chobei  on  the  ground  and 
floundering  in  the  folds  of  his  garments,  from  which  issued  most 
violent  language.  For  the  first  time  that  day  O'Take  and  O'Haru 
had  something  to  amuse  them.  O'Taki  refusing,  they  assisted 
Chobei  to  his  feet  and  adjusted  his  robe.  Then  one  on  each  side 
of  him  they  set  out  for  Honjo  Yoshidacho.  As  parting  salute  to 
O'Taki,  Chobei  finished  his  sentence.  .  .  .  "  Something  to 
remember  on  Chobei's  return."  Her  laugh  in  reply  was  so  savage 
that  the  women  turned  to  look  at  her.  In  fright  they  hastened 
off  with  their  prize. 

At  Honjo  the  reception  of  Chobei  called  forth  the  whole 
house.  The  pimp  entered  the  presence  of  Toemon  wnth  confident 
and  jaunty  air.  "He  has  the  contract?"  said  Toemon  to  the 
woman.  O'Haru  indicated  a  sleeve.  The  banto  and  one  of  the 
umkashu  (young  men  employes)  grasped  the  arms  of  Chobei. 
The  incriminating  document  was  deftly  removed  by  O'Haru  and 
passed  over  to  Toemon.  "  Now  the  fellow  can  neither  produce 
it,  nor  play  his  tricks  wath  it."  He  looked  it  over  carefully;  then 
placed   it   with   his   own    copy.      Chobei   was   too   outraged   and 


148  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

frightened  to  do  more  than  squat  and  gasp  as  he  looked  around 
the  circle  of  hostile  faces.  Without  cushion  he  sat  on  the  bare 
tatami,  much  as  does  a  criminal  at  the  white  sand.  Said  Toemon 
severely — "  For  once  Chobei  has  drunk  hot  water  with  this  Toe- 
mon. Does  he  think  to  act  thus  with  impunity.  The  younger 
sister  of  his  brother  Kanemon, '  a  noted  wench  for  the  streets,'  was 
brought  here  for  life  service;  sold  to  Toemon  for  twenty  ryo. 
Toemon  does  not  intend  that  the  price  shall  be  too  high  for  him. 
Chobei  cannot  lie  out  of  his  own  contract.  Toemon  has  it  in  his 
hands.  Ch5bei  has  the  twenty  ryo.  Toemon  loses  his  money. 
Well  and  good :  Toemon  clears  himself  from  the  affair.  The 
responsibility  lies  wholly  with  Chobei.  Let  him  look  to  it." 
Chobei  seized  the  moment  when  lack  of  breath  in  his  anger  halted 
the  speech  of  Toemon.  He  would  have  lied,  but  Toemon  again 
broke  in.  "  Chobei  has  no  brother.  Chobei  has  no  woman  to  dis- 
pose of  on  his  own  signature.  The  one  he  did  have,  the  one  he 
possesses,  Toemon  knows  where  to  find.  Toemon  had  a  woman 
OTwa  in  his  house.  You  sold  the  wife  of  a  go-kenin,  lemon  Dono 
of  Yotsuya  ;  a  woman  who  was  the  heir  of  Tamiya  Matazaemon  the 
doshin.  The  Lady  OTwa  is  traced  to  the  hands  of  Chobei.  Settle 
the  matter  with  those  in  office — machihugyo,  doshin,  yakunin — 
when  the  affair  comes  to  Hght  .  .  ." — "  Easily,"  burst  in 
Chobei,  once  more  himself.  "  Honoured  chief,  matters  do  not  call 
for  such  earnestness.  All  this  is  mere  froth  and  fury.  It  is  true 
that  Chobei  has  deceived  the  chief ;  but  it  was  at  the  orders  of  those 
much  higher.  The  lady  of  Tamiya  was  an  obstacle.  The  sale 
was  ordered  by  lemon  Dono  himself ;  backed  by  Ito  Kwaiba  the 
head  of  the  Yotsuya  ward." — "  Chobei,  you  lie,"  said  Toemon. 
The  words  and  advice  of  Kakusuke  still  rang  in  his  ears.  "  lemon 
Dono?  Ito  Dono?  Who  else  will  Chobei  bring  in  as  his  bails? 
Such  a  man  is  not  to  be  trusted.  With  this  Toemon  there  is  no 
more  dealing.     The  guild  is  to  be  warned  by  a  circular  letter." 

At  this  fearful  threat  all  Chobei's  jauntiness  left  him.     His  live- 
lihood, his  existence,  were  at  stake.     He  prostrated  himself  before 


CHOBEI  GETS  THE  NEWS  149 

Toemon,  dragging  his  body  over  the  tatami  to  the  sen  (low  table) 
at  which  was  seated  this  autocrat  of  the  nighthawks,  this  receiver 
of  the  refuse  and  worn-out  goods  of  his  greater  brothers  in  the 
trade.  Toemon  harshly  repulsed  him  with  his  foot.  Chobei  in 
despair  turned  to  O'Matsu — "  Honoured  lady  the  chief  is  un- 
reasonably angry.  There  shall  be  no  loss  of  money,  no  harm 
suffered  by  the  affair.  Deign  to  say  a  word  for  Chobei." — 
"  Since  when  has  Matsu  had  aught  to  do  with  the  affairs  of  the 
house?  The  women  are  her  concern.  She  goes  not  outside  her 
province."  The  pimp  sought  the  feet  of  O'Take — "  Condescend 
to  plead  for  Chdbei.  His  fault  is  venial.  When  no  injury  re- 
sults, pardon  follows.  This  is  to  cut  off  the  breath  of  Chobei, 
of  wife  and  child.  Deign  to  intercede."  The  street  harlot  laughed. 
Her  cracked  voice  was  rough — "  The  commission  of  Chobei  San 
has  no  attractions.  This  Take  has  had  enough  to  do  with  the 
matter.  Truly  Chobei  is  a  wicked  fellow.  Take  would  fare  badly 
in  such  intercourse.  Besides  his  company  is  too  high  flown. 
Officials !  Samurai !  Chobei  San  seeks  and  will  find  promotion 
in  the  world.  Lodgings  are  preparing  for  Chobei  Sama  in  pub- 
lic office — on  the  Ryogokubashi ;  of  such  he  is  assured."  She 
drew  away  from  him,  harshly  cackling.  Thus  he  crawled 
from  one  to  the  other.  It  was  "  Chobei  Sama,"  "  Chobei 
Dono,"  in  derision  they  would  call  him  prince — -"  Chobei  K5." 
All  stuck  out  their  tongues  at  him.  The  young  fellows 
of  the  house,  several  of  them,  stood  round  the  entrance, 
ostensibly  occupied,  but  with  one  eye  on  the  scene.  As  Chobei 
sought  the  banto's  aid,  the  man  raised  a  long  lean  leg  and  gave 
him  a  violent  kick  in  the  breast.  Strong  hands  seized  him  as  he 
rolled  over  and  over  to  the  edge  of  the  platform,  to  land  in  the 
arms  of  the  enthusiastic  zvakashii.  The  next  moment,  and  Chobei 
was  picking  himself  up  out  of  the  mud  and  snow  of  the  street. 
The  lattice  of  the  house  entrance  closed  noisily. 

In  his  confusion  of  mind  by   force  of  habit  Chobei  turned 
round  and  bowed  with  ceremony  toward  the  place  of  his  uncere- 


150  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

monious  exit — "  The  time  is  inopportune.  Chobei  intrudes.  He 
will  call  again."  The  opening  of  the  wicket  gate,  the  peering, 
scowling  face  of  the  banto  recalled  the  past  scene  to  mind.  With 
all  the  haste  his  tottering  gait  allowed  Ch5bei  sprang  off  north- 
ward to  the  Adzumabashi  and  home.  As  he  sped,  swaying  along, 
his  active  mind  was  making  calculations.  "  Ryogokubashi,  the 
last  home  of  the  outcast  beggar — other  than  the  river  which  flows 
beneath  it !  "  He  shuddered  at  the  prophecy.  "  Bah  !  One  ras- 
cal loses ;  another  gains.  Toemon  loses  twenty  ryo.  From 
lemon  San  ten  ryo  was  the  commission.  Ito  Dono  gave  five  ryo 
and  asked  no  questions.  The  total  to  Chobei  sums  up  thirty-five 
ryo.  For  a  year  the  affair  of  OTwa  has  fattened  Chobei ;  with 
something  still  left."  His  foot  struck  a  stone  in  the  roadway. 
He  looked  up  and  around  to  find  himself  before  the  Genkwoji. 
About  to  enter  on  the  maze  of  temple  grounds  and  yashiki  separat- 
ing him  from  the  bridge  his  gaze  fell  on  the  stagnant  squalid 
waters  of  the  canal.  It  was  in  the  dirty  foulness  of  this  North 
Warigesui  that  OTwa  had  disappeared.  Chobei  pulled  up  short. 
A  dead  cur,  copper  hued,  with  swollen  germinating  sides  and  grin- 
ning teeth,  bobbed  at  him  from  the  green  slime.  Chobei  slewed 
round — "A  vile  ending;  but  after  all  an  ending.  lemon  profits; 
Chobei  gets  the  scoldings.  Ah  !  If  it  was  not  that  Ito  Kwaiba  is  en- 
gaged in  this  afifair ;  Tamiya  should  pay  dearly.  There  is  a  double 
ration  to  share  with  Chobei — and  not  to  be  touched !  Ito  Dono 
is  no  man  to  trifle  with.  There  was  that  affair  with  Isuke;  and 
now,  as  he  says,  lemon  is  a  very  son  to  him."  A  memory  seemed 
to  touch  Chobei.  His  pace  became  a  crawl.  "  Why  hasten  ? 
Ch5bei  rushes  to  the  fiend — that  demon  Taki.  Chobei  would 
rather  face  OTwa  than  Taki  in  a  rage."  He  laughed — "  The 
attenuated  hands  of  a  ghost  and  the  thick  fist  of  Taki,  the  choice 
is  not  uncertain.  From  the  lady  mild  and  merciful  there  is  noth- 
ing to  fear.  Evidently  she  has  settled  matters  once  and  for  all 
in  the  Warigesui.  But  at  the  tenement — there  it  is  another  affair. 
This  Chobei  will  fortify  himself  against  the  shock.    A  drink ;  then 


CHOBEI  GETS  THE  NEWS  151 

another,  and  still  more.  The  scoldings  will  fall  on  a  blunted  mind 
wandering  in  some  dreamland.  Time  will  soothe  her  rage. 
To-morrow  Chobei  wakes,  to  find  the  storm  has  passed  and 
Taki  his  obedient  serving  wench."  Near  the  Adzumabashi,  fol- 
lowing his  prescription  against  domestic  enlivenment,  he  entered 
a  grog  shop ;  to  turn  his  good  coin  into  wine. 

The  quarter  at  Hanagawado  in  Asakusa  was  in  an  uproar. 
What  had  occurred  was  this — There  was  an  old  woman — "  Baba  " 
in  the  native  parlance  for  Dame  Gossip — a  seller  of  the  dried 
seaweed  called  nori  (sloke  or  laver),  still  called  Asakusa  nori, 
though  even  at  that  time  gathered  at  Shinagawa,  Omori,  and  more 
distant  places.  This  old  trot  had  returned,  to  make  her  last  sales 
to  the  excellent  metal  dealer  who  lived  opposite  her  own  home 
in  the  nagaya,  in  which  she  lived  next  door  to  the  Chobei.  husband 
and  wife.  The  tongue  of  the  dogiiya  was  still  in  full  swing  of  the 
recital,  not  only  of  his  own  experiences,  but  of  the  revelations 
of  O'Taki.  JEie-Was  only  too  willing  for  this  twenty-first  time 
to  repeat  the  tale  to  the  nori  seller,  his  good  neighbour.  The 
good  wife  and  wives  listened  again  with  open  mouths.  The  Baba 
was  the  most  interested  of  them  all.  This  choice  morsel  of  gos- 
sip was  to  be  gathered  at  the  primal  source,  from  the  lips  of 
O'Taki  herself.  She  was  all  sympathy  in  her  curiosity — ranging  in 
the  two  cases  of  Chobei  and  wife  on  the  one  part,  and  the  metal 
dealer  and  his  insulted  household  on  the  other  part.  Away  she 
stepped  quickly  from  the  assembly  of  ward  gossips.  At  the  door 
of  Chobei's  quarters  she  stopped — "  Okamisan !  Okamisan ! 
Strange :  is  she  not  at  home  ?  Is  she  so  angered  that  no 
answer  is  given?  However,  this  Baba  fears  no  one. 
Nesan  !  Nesan  !  "  She  passed  the  room  entrance  and  went  into  the 
area.  Glancing  into  the  kitchen — "Oya  !  Oya  !  The  meal  is  burnt 
to  a  crisp.  It  has  become  a  soppy,  disgusting  mass.  Nesan !  Nesan  ! 
The  rain  falls,  the  roof  window  (hikimado)  is  open."  She  put 
down  her  empty  tubs  in  order  to  play  the  good  neighbour.  The 
first  thing  was  to  close  the  window  against  the  descending  rain. 


152  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Quickly  and  deftly  she  proceeded  to  wipe  the  moisture  off  the 
shining  vessels,  to  put  everything  in  order  in  O'Taki's  usually 
immaculate  kitchen.  Women  of  this  class  are  finicky  house- 
keepers in  their  own  homes.  As  the  old  wife  became  less  engaged 
she  began  to  hear  strange  sounds  above.  Some  one  was  in  con- 
versation— and  yet  it  was  a  one-sided  queer  kind  of  talk.  The 
voice  was  threatening  and  wheedling.  Then  she  heard  a  child  cry. 
Surely  O'Taki  was  in  the  upper  room;  and  thus  neglectful  of  her 
lord  and  household. 

The  old  Baba  went  to  the  foot  of  the  ladder  and  listened. 
"  Nesan !  Nesan  !  "  No  answer  came,  beyond  the  curious  dron- 
ing monotone  above,  varied  by  an  occasional  wailing  cry  of  the 
child.  It  seemed  to  be  in  pain.  Resolute,  the  sturdy  old  Baba 
began  to  climb  the  steps.  At  the  top  she  halted,  to  get  breath  and 
look  into  the  room.  The  sight  she  witnessed  froze  the  old  woman 
in  horror  to  where  she  stood.  A  woman  was  in  the  room.  She 
knelt  over  the  body  of  the  child,  which  now  and  again  writhed 
in  the  hard  and  cruel  grasp.  The  queer  monotonous  voice  went 
on — "  Ah !  To  think  you  might  grow  up  like  your  father.  The 
wicked,  unprincipled  man  !  To  sell  the  Oj5san  for  a  street  whore, 
for  her  to  spend  her  life  in  such  vile  servitude ;  she  by  whose 
kindness  this  household  has  lived.  Many  the  visits  in  the  past 
two  years  paid  these  humble  rooms  by  the  lady  of  Tamiya.  To 
all  her  neighbours  O'Taki  has  pointed  out  and  bragged  of 
the  favour  of  the  Ojosan.  The  very  clothing  now  on  your 
wretched  puny  body  came  from  her  hands.  While  Ch5bei  spent 
his  gains  in  drink  and  paid  women,  Taki  was  nourished  by  the 
rice  from  Tamiya.  When  Taki  lay  in  of  this  tiny  body  it  was 
the  Ojosan  who  furnished  aid,  and  saw  that  child  and  mother 
could  live.  Alas !  That  you  should  grow  up  to  be  like  this  vil- 
lainous man  is  not  to  be  endured.  .  .  .  Ah !  An  idea !  To 
crunch  your  throat,  to  secure  revenge  and  peace,  security  against 
the  future."  She  bent  down  low  over  the  child.  Suddenly  it  gave  a 
fearful  scream,  as  does  a  child  fallen  into  the  fire.     The  Baba, 


CHOBEI  GETS  THE  NEWS  153 

helpless,  could  only  feebly  murmur — "  Nesan  !  Nesan  !  O'Taki 
San  !  What  are  you  about  ?  Control  yourself."  She  gave  a  fright- 
ened yowl  as  the  creature  began  to  spread  far  apart  the  child's 
limbs,  and  with  quick  rips  of  the  sharp  kitchen  knife  beside 
her  dissevered  and  tore  the  little  limbs  from  the  quivering  body. 
At  the  cry  the  woman  turned  half  around  and  looked  toward  her. 
Jaws  dripping  red  with  blood,  a  broad  white  flat  face  with  bulging 
brow,  two  tiny  piercing  dots  flashing  from  amid  the  thick  swollen 
eyelids,  it  was  the  face  of  O'lwa  glowering  at  her.  "  Kiya !  " 
The  scream  resounded  far  and  wide.  Incontinently  the  old  woman 
tumbled  backward  down  the  steep  steps,  to  land  below  on  head 
and  buttocks. 

Some  neighbours,  people  passing,  came  rushing  in.  A  crowd 
began  to  gather.  "  Baba  !  Baba  San!  What  is  wrong?"  She 
could  not  speak ;  only  point  upward  and  shudder  as  does  one  with 
heavy  chills.  As  they  moved  toward  the  stair  a  roar  went  up 
from  the  crowd  in  the  street.  O'Taki  had  appeared  at  the  win- 
dow, her  face  smeared  with  blood  and  almost  unrecognizable. 
She  waved  a  limb  of  the  dismembered  infant.  The  crowed  were 
frozen  with  horror.  As  some  shouted  to  those  within  to  hasten 
the  woman  brandished  the  bloody  knife.  Thrusting  it  deep  into 
her  throat  she  ripped  and  tore  at  the  handle,  spattering  the  in- 
cautious below  with  the  blood  spurting  from  the  wound.  Then 
she  fell  backward  into  the  room.  When  the  foremost  to  interfere 
rushed  in  they  drew  back  in  fear  at  what  they  saw.  The  child's 
head  was  half  knawed  from  the  body;  its  limbs  lay  scattered  to 
this  place  and  that.  The  body  of  O'Taki  lay  where  she  had 
fallen.  It  was  as  if  the  head  had  been  gnawed  from  the  trunk, 
but  the  head  itself  was  missing.  Search  as  they  would,  it  was  not 
to  be  found.  Meanwhile  the  news  of  these  happenings  spread 
rapidly.  In  the  next  block  it  was  shouted  that  the  wife  of  the 
pimp  Chobei  had  gone  mad  and  killed  and  eaten  five  children. 
A  block   further  the  number  had  risen  to  twentv-five.     At  the 


154  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

guardhouse  of  the  Adzumabashi  she  had  killed  and  gnawed  a 
hundred  adults. 

These  rumours  were  mingled  with  the  strange  tale  of  the  old 
woman  as  to  O'lwa  San.  In  time  there  were  many  who  had  wit- 
nessed the  suicide  of  O'Taki,  who  were  ready  to  swear  they  had 
seen  the  fearful  lady  of  Tamiya.  Chobei  first  learned  of  the  affair 
by  being  dragged  from  the  grog  shop  to  the  guardhouse  of  the 
Adzumabashi.  Here  he  was  put  under  arrest.  Distressed  and 
discomforted  he  stood  before  the  ruin  in  his  home,  under  the 
eyes  of  his  neighbours.  These  stood  loyally  by  him.  As  hap- 
pens in  ward  affairs  in  Nippon  the  aspect  of  the  affair  not  im- 
mediately on  the  surface  was  slow  to  reach  official  ears.  Thus 
it  was  as  to  the  Tamiya  phase  involved.  Chobei  had  suffered 
much,  and  was  in  to  suffer  more.  His  fellow  wardsmen  were 
silent  as  to  all  but  the  actual  facts  needed  for  interpretation. 
The  marvellous  only  filters  out  slowly.  But  they  had  their  own 
way  of  dealing  with  him.  The  kensJii  (coroner)  made  his  report. 
Examinations,  fines,  bribes,  the  funeral  costs,  reduced  Chobei  to 
his  worst  garment.  With  this  after  some  weeks  he  was  permitted 
to  go  free.  The  house  owner  had  turned  him  out.  The  wards- 
men  had  expelled  him.  Enough  of  Kazaguruma  Chobei — for 
the  present. 


CHAPTER  XVI 

NEWS  REACHES  KWAIBA 

KwAiBA  was  hard  at  it,  practising  his  favourite  arts.  His 
sake  cup  stood  before  him,  and  from  time  to  time  he  raised  the 
bottle  from  the  hot  water,  testing  its  temperature  with  skilled 
hand.  He  accompanied  the  action  with  a  continual  drone  of  a 
gidayu.  Kwaiba  by  no  means  confined  the  art  of  gidayii  reci- 
tation to  the  heroic  tales  usually  therewith  associated.  His 
present  effort  was  one  of  the  suggestive  and  obscene  ukarebuslii, 
quite  as  frequent  and  as  well  received  in  the  gidayu  theme  con- 
taining them.  Kibei  listened  and  applauded,  with  cynical  amuse- 
ment at  the  depravity  of  the  impotent  old  man.  Kwaiba  had 
found  an  excellent  bottle  companion,  and  renewed  his  own  former 
days  in  the  "  Quarter,"  with  the  fresher  experiences  retailed  by 
Kibei.  Said  Kwaiba — "  All  has  gone  well.  For  half  the  year 
Kibei  has  been  the  son  of  Kwaiba.  He  has  brought  luck  into  the 
house."  Kibei  bowed  respectfully.  Continued  the  old  man — 
"  lemon  with  his  whore  is  fast  destroying  Tamiya  by  riot  and 
drinking.  Chozaemon  is  a  fish  in  the  net.  The  debt  of  ten  ryo 
has  doubled  into  twenty  ryo,  which  at  any  cost  he  must  repay. 
Kwaiba  will  make  him  cut  belly  if  he  don't.  And  Tamiya !  Old 
Tamiya;  Matazaemon !  OTwa  is  paying  his  debt  to  Kwaiba  by 
becoming  an  outcast,  perhaps  a  beggar  somewhere  on  the  high- 
way, n.she  shows  her  face  in  the  ward,  seeking  '  cash  '  to  keep 
life  in  a  wretched  carcass,  this  Kwaiba  will  send  her  to  the  jail, 
to  rot  as  vagrant.  But  what  did  become  of  her?  lemon  has 
never  spoken."  Kibei  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  A  close  mouthed 
fellow ;  too  wise  to  talk  of  himself.  He  would  but  say  that  Chobei 
took  the  affair  in  hand."  Kwaiba  threw  up  his  hands  in  horror 
and  merriment.     Said  he — "  'Tis  rumoured  the  fellow  is  a  pimp. 

155 


156  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

But  surely  he  could  not  dispose  of  O'lwa  in  his  line.  The  very 
demons  of  the  Hell  of  lust  would  refuse  all  intercourse  with  her." 

Just  then  Kakusuke  presented  himself.  "  Report  to  make 
to  the  Go-Inkyo  Sama.  Inagaki  Dono  sends  his  compliments  to 
Ito  Sama.  The  papers  of  transfer  are  these;  by  the  hand  of 
Kakusuke."  As  he  took  the  documents,  said  Kwaiba  in  answer 
to  Kibei's  inquiring  look — "  Your  honoured  parent  has  favoured 
this  Kwaiba.  The  transfer  is  of  farms  in  Kazusa  for  others  in 
Shimosa.  Thus  all  can  be  brought  under  one  hand.  A  single 
naniishi  (bailiff)  can  manage  the  whole  property  in  the  two  vil- 
lages."— "  But  the  office  .  .  .,"  objected  Kibei.  He  had  the 
samurai  instinct  against  the  slightest  taint  of  failure  in  obligation. 
"  Let  Kibei  San  deign  to  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  Kwaiba.  The 
successor  to  the  nanushi  recently  deceased  is  a  child.  Kwaiba 
is  in  no  haste  to  provide  a  substitute  pending  majority.  The 
right  will  lapse,  and  at  majority  the  boy  can  be  found  occupation 
elsewhere,  to  no  small  gain  in  the  revenue.  '  Out  of  sight,  out  of 
mind.  Kwaiba's  present  manager  is  imsurpassed ;  so  is  the  in- 
come he  manages  to  gather."  He  looked  around  in  some  surprise, 
seeing  that  Kakusuke  still  maintained  his  position,  although  dis- 
missed. Then  noting  him  closely—"  What  has  happened,  Kaku- 
suke? Your  colour  is  bad.  Too  cordial  entertainment  by  the 
chugen  of  Inagaki  Dono?    Or  has  Kakusuke  seen  a  ghost?  " 

"  Kakusuke  has  seen  OTwa  San ;  of  Tamiya.  Rather  would 
he  have  seen  a  ghost;  if  indeed  it  was  not  a  demon  he  saw." 
Kwaiba  started — "  OTwa  !  Where  ?  " — "  It  was  at  the  brothel 
of  Toemon,  chief  of  the  night-hawks,  at  Yoshidacho  in  Honjo. 
Mobei  the  toilet  dealer  had  suffered  direfully  at  her  hands.  Meet- 
ing her  unexpectedly,  the  fool  let  out  all  he  knew  of  the  happen- 
ings in  the  ward.  In  a  rage  she  flew  on  him.  '  To  seven  lives  a 
curse  on  lemon  Dono,  on  Akiyama  Sama,  on  Kondo  Sama.'  " — 
He  hesitated ;  then  added — "  on  the  Go  Inkyo  Sama.  Then  in 
a  straight  line  she  flew  off  toward  the  canal.  Did  she  drown 
herself?    This  Kakusuke  could  not  ascertain.     Going  to  the  aid 


NEWS  REACHES  KWAIBA  157 

of  Mobei,  mauled  and  prostrate  on  the  ground,  the  whole  story 
was  learned.  Chobei  had  sold  her  for  life  to  Toemon,  to  serve 
as  a  night-hawk." 

Ito  Kwaiba  sat  straight  up.  His  idle  braggart  words  of  a  few 
moments  before  came  home  to  him.  In  Kibei  he  found  no  en- 
couragement. After  all  Kibei  was  a  samurai;  harsh,  but  with 
the  courage  of  his  caste  and  profession.  He  spoke  openly — "  It 
was  an  outrageous  deed.  To  sell  a  samurai  woman  to  such  a  life ! 
It  stinks.  This  comes  of  bringing  in  a  low  dog  (yard)  such 
as  this  Chobei.  Did  lemon  know  of  his  intention?  "  He  looked 
Kwaiba  in  the  eye,  but  the  latter  met  him  squarely — "  What 
lemon  knew  or  did  not  know,  this  Kwaiba  knows  not.  But  of  this 
event  he  must  know — and  at  once.  Kakusuke,  go  in  all  haste  to 
the  house  of  Tamiya  Sama.  Kwaiba  would  consult  with  him." 
Kibei  fidgetted  and  fumed.  He  walked  up  and  down  the  room. 
Then  abruptly — "  Condescend  to  pardon  the  presence  of  Kibei. 
The  honoured  father  having  matters  to  discuss  with  the  diviner — 
he  finds  no  amusement  in  the  counsellor."  As  he  was  withdrawing 
lemon  entered.  Their  greeting  was  cold  to  the  extreme.  lemon 
knew  that  Kibei  hated  and  despised  him ;  as  much  as  he,  lemon, 
hated  and  feared  Kibei.  Kwaiba  called  sharply  to  his  genial 
son — "  Pray  be  within  call,  if  needed."  He  was  glad  to  see  the 
surly  fellow's  exit.  In  some  things  Kwaiba  felt  fear.  The  stiff 
courage  of  Kibei  made  him  ashamed  openly  to  air  his  weakness. 
He  broke  the  news  at  once  to  lemon.  "  Kakusuke  has  seen 
OTwa."  lemon  looked  at  him  curiously.  Was  Kwaiba  fright- 
ened? Said  the  one-time  priest — "What  of  that?  She  lives  in 
Edo.  A  meeting  with  her  is  quite  likely ;  at  least  for  a  man 
of  the  grade  of  Kakusuke."  He  smiled  grimly — "  But  .  .  .," 
said  Kwaiba.  He  plunged  into  the  story  of  the  chngen  in  its  full 
details.  .lemon  listened  carefully.  "  Ah !  She  is  likely  to  come 
here." — "Come  here!"  bellowed  Kwaiba.  "Just  so,"  answered 
lemon.  "If  she  seeks  vengeance  on  this  lemon,  on  Kwaiba,  or 
the  others,  where  else  would  she  come  than  Yotsuya.    We  cannot 


158  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

run  away."  Kwaiba  gasped  at  his  coolness — "  And  lemon  Dono, 
does  he  open  Tamiya  to  the  presence  of  its  ex-lady  and  mistress?  " 
— "  A  beggar,  an  outcast,  importuning  Tamiya ;  the  severed  body 
will  lie  in  the  ditch,  for  the  gatherers  of  offal  to  cast  as  food  to 
the  dogs  on  the  moor.  Fear  enters,  but — honoured  chief,  conde- 
scend to  follow  the  example  of  lemon." 

The  round  eyes  in  the  round  face  of  Kwaiba  stood  out.  He 
leaned  over  and  touched  lemon's  sleeve.  In  astonishment  lemon 
noted  the  fright  depicted  in  his  face.  The  blustering  old  man  at 
bottom  was  an  arrant  coward.  Two  knaves  should  understand 
each  other — as  did  he  and  Chdbei.  He  felt  that  he  had  been 
gulled  during  the  whole  of  his  intercourse  with  this  old  fool. 
He  should  have  bluffed;  and  not  been  bluffed.  Said  Kwaiba  in 
lowered  voice — "  Kakusuke  could  see  nothing  of  her.  She  dis- 
appeared into  the  waters  of  Warigesui.  Suppose  OTwa  appears 
as  a  ghost,  to  take  vengeance  on  Kwaiba  .  .  ."  He  straight- 
ened up  in  astonishment  and  some  anger  at  the  derisive  smile 
playing  over  the  face  of  lemon.  Indeed  lemon  was  more  than 
amused.  Not  at  the  circumstances,  but  at  finding  at  last  this 
weak  spot  in  the  man  who  had  dominated  him.  Conditions, 
however,  controlled  him.  It  was  fact  that  the  physical  OTwa 
might  appear — to  the  distress  and  discomfiture  of  all  concerned. 
They  must  stand  together.  He  spoke  with  severity — "  Rich  and 
afraid  of  ghosts !  Has  not  Ito  Dono  two  spearmen  when  he  goes 
abroad  ?  When  he  has  an  interview  with  his  lord  does  he  tremble 
with  fear?  When  the  enemy  in  life,  with  all  physical  powers, 
is  not  feared ;  why  fear  a  disembodied  spirit  deprived  of  all  means 
of  venting  its  wrath  and  spite?  It  is  but  the  imagination  which 
works  havoc.  None  are  more  helpless  than  the  dead.  With  them 
time  and  occasion  has  reached  an  end.  If  OTwa  returns  to 
Yotsuya,  it  will  be  in  her  own  person.  With  OTwa,  the  beggar 
and  night-hawk,  our  knmi-iiashira  knows  how  to  deal." — "  Then 
lemon  knew  the  lot  dealt  out  to  OTwa." — "At  first  hand;  from 
Chobei  himself.     The  lean  knave  has  prospered  by  the  affair. 


NEWS  REACHES  KWAIBA  159 

lemon  had  no  such  desire  to  see  hhn,  as  to  secure  his  costly  pres- 
ence at  the  dinner  so  unfortunately  witnessed  by  Mobei.  .  . 
But  deign  to  call  for  wine ;  drive  out  these  vapours  with  wine. 
Honoured  chief,  condescend  to  play  the'host  to  lemon."  lemon's 
manner  was  not  wholly  natural,  as  Kwaiba  could  have  detected 
if  more  himself.  He  felt  immensely  relieved.  A  priest — surely 
he  was  one  to  know  all  about  the  nature  of  ghosts ;  was  one  to  speak 
with  authority.  lemon  was  hardly  to  be  regarded  as  in  ecclesiasti- 
cal good  odour.  But  Kwaiba  was  easily  satisfied.  He,  too,  roared 
— "Wine!  Wine!  Bring  wine!"  As  by  magic  Kibei  appeared 
at  the  welcome  sound.  He  disliked  lemon,  but  he  liked  wine. 
The  servants  bustled  around.  The  wine  was  heated — again  and 
again.  A  feast  of  fish — with  more  wine — followed.  It  was  late 
when  lemon  left  the  house,  the  only  sober  member  of  the  party. 
Of  his  hosts;  one  was  maudlin,  the  otlier  asleep.  The  ample 
resources  of  Tamiya,  if  not  of  benefit  to  his  person,  in  these 
past  two  years  had  given  him  the  chance  to  harden  his  head ;  and 
he  had  grasped  it. 

lemon  by  no  means  had  all  the  confidence  he  displayed  before 
Kwaiba.  He  was  a  priest,  but  environment  influences  everybody. 
There  was  a  possibility — discountenanced  by  experience,  but  ex- 
isting. As  he  walked  slowly  along  Teramachi  his  thoughts  strayed 
back  into  the  past.  "  It  was  an  ill  bond  between  this  lemon  and 
OTwa  San.  Without  question  she  has  drowned  herself  in  the 
Warigesui.  The  body  must  be  found  and  buried.  Memorial  ser- 
vices are  to  be  recited,  for  one  dying  without  relatives  or  friends 
(segaki)."  The  virtuous  resolution  was  the  outcome  of  his  medi- 
tation and  glances  into  the  many  graveyards  passed  in  his  progress 
through  the  temple-lined  street.  It  was  a  beautiful  street,  with  its 
overhanging  trees,  its  open  spaces  populated  by  the  many  dead, 
its  temples  gorgeous  in  red  and  gilding  amid  the  dark  green  of 
pine  and  cedar.  lemon  on  this  night  had  to  hasten  his  steps.  Rain 
threatened.    Gusts  of  wind  came  sharply  from  this  side  and  that, 


160  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

driving  the  first  drops  of  the  coming  storm.  He  reached  home 
just  as  it  broke  with  all  its  fury. 

To  O'Hana  he  would  say  nothing  of  Kwaiba's  mission.  On 
her  remarking  on  the  lateness  of  the  hour,  he  made  answer  that 
the  old  man  was  out  of  sorts.  Kibei  was  too  robust  a  bottle  com- 
panion for  a  man  reaching  toward  his  seventieth  year.  No 
matter  how  vigorous,  Kwaiba's  wine  was  showing  on  him.  The 
two  prepared  for  bed.  O'Hana  listened  as  the  rain  dashed  in 
streams  against  the  amado,  as  if  trying  to  break  its  way  in.  She 
gave  a  little  chuckle — "  Who  would  have  thought  it4  " — "  What?  " 
asked  lemon,  perhaps  a  little  tartly.  He  was  nervous.  O'Hana 
laughed — "  That  lemon  and  this  Hana  should  be  where  they  now 
are.  Their  parting  was  on  a  night  like  this.  Ah  !  At  seeing  a  man 
weep  Hana  could  have  retired  into  a  cave — forever.  Only  the  for- 
tunate accident  of  a  drunken  yakunin  (constable)  as  guest  en- 
abled her  to  give  warning.  .  .  .  And  now !  Once  more 
united  lemon  and  this  Hana  live  in  luxury.  Every  wish  is  grati- 
fied. Thanks  for  the  past  which  contained  this  meeting  in  its 
womb ;  thanks  for  the  present  in  which  happiness  is  secured : 

'  Losing  one's  way,  again  roads  meet! 
The  hill  of  flowers.'  "  * 

A  terrific  gust  struck  the  rain-doors.  They  bent  and  cracked 
before  the  force  of  the  gale.  The  vivid  white  of  lightning  showed 
that  one  door  had  been  forced  from  its  groove.  lemon  rose  and 
replaced  it.  As  he  turned  away  suddenly  the  room  was  plunged 
in  darkness.  Said  the  voice  of  O'Hana — "  The  light  of  the  andon 
has  gone  out.  Oya !  Oya !  The  lights  in  the  Butsudan  (altar) 
are  lit.  And  yet  this  Hana  extinguished  them."  Grumbled  lemon 
— "  The  wind  has  blown  out  the  light  in  the  andon.  Doubtless 
a  spark  was  left  in  the  wick  of  the  altar  light.  Fire  is  to  be 
dreaded;  great  care  should  be  taken  in  extinguishing  the  light." 
As  he  relit  the  light  in  the  night  lamp,  O'Hana  went  up  to  the 


^  "  Haguretc  mo  niata  afu  tiiichi  ya  hana  no  yama. 


NEWS  REACHES  KWAIBA  161 

Butsudan  to  extinguish  the  Ughts  there.  She  put  her  hand  out 
to  take  one.  A  sharp  scream,  and  she  fell  back  in  confusion  and 
fright.  "  An  aodaisho  in  the  Butsudan  !  Help  !  Aid  this  Hana  !  " 
As  she  fled  the  snake  witJi  a  thud  fell  on  the  tatami.  Unrolling 
its  six  feet  of  length,  it  started  in  pursuit.  lemon  stepped  behind 
it  and  caught  it  by  the  tail.  A  sharp  rap  behind  the  head  stunned 
it.  It  hung  limp  in  his  hand.  "  Hana,  please  open  the  amado." — '- 
"  No,  no :  this  Hana  cannot ;  move  she  will  not." — "  Coward  !  " 
said  lemon.  "  Time  comes  when  Hana,  for  generations  in  the 
future  existence,  will  wander  hill  and  dale  in  such  form." — 
"  Ara  !  "  The  woman  was  properly  shocked  at  this  speech,  wicked 
and  brutal  as  an  imprecation.  "  Has  the  life  of  Hana  been  so 
foul  as  to  deserve  such  punishment  in  a  future  life?  Surely  'tis 
not  the  priest  of  Reigan  who  speaks;  nor  lemon."  She  could  only 
see  his  lips  move  as  he  stood  at  the  amado.  "  Evil  was  the  con- 
nection between  OTwa  and  this  lemon.  Wander  not  as  one  un- 
buried,  but  becoming  a  Buddha  at  once  enter  Nirvana.  Namu 
Myoho  Renge  Kyo !  Namu  Myoho  Renge  Kyo  !  Wonderful  the 
Law,  wondrous  the  Scripture  of  the  Lotus  !  "  With  the  invocation 
he  cast  the  stunned  reptile  far  out  into  the  garden.  Returning, 
he  said — "  The  aodaisho  is  the  most  harmless  of  snakes.  The 
farmers  keep  it  to  destroy  the  rats  which  infest  house  and  store 
rooms.  How  can  Hana  be  afraid  of  snakes,  living  in  this  yashiki 
overgrown  by  weeds  and  grass,  from  roof  to  garden  ?  "  O'Hana 
did  not  reply  in  direct  terms — "  It  is  evil  fortune  to  take  a  snake 
in  the  hand." — "  Never  mind  such  talk.  It  is  the  priest  who 
speaks.  This  lemon  knows  all  about  snakes.  Go  to  sleep."  She 
obeyed,  knowing  nothing  about  OTwa  and  the  events  of  the  day; 
yet  her  slumber  was  broken  and  restless.  By  morning  she  was  in 
a  high  fever. ^ 

^  The  aodaisho  is  something  of  the  nature  of  a  black  snake.     Says 
Brinkley's  Diet.  "  elaphis  virgatus." 


11 


CHAPTER  XVII 

NEWS  FROM  KWAIBA 

KwAiBA  was  reported  as  ill ;  very  ill.  His  friends  and  de- 
pendents who  had  to  pay  visits  of  condolence,  spoke  of  this  illness 
with  awe  and  terror.  To  understand  what  follows  something 
must  be  said  of  the  past  of  this  man.  The  actor,  drawing  on  the 
presumed  knowledge  of  his  audience  as  to  the  story  ij;i  the  gross, 
can  pass  this  over  with  a  speech  or  two ;  a  horror-struck  gesture 
and  allusion.  Not  so  the  kodan  writer,  who  perforce  must  lay 
before  his  reader  all  the  minnticc  of  the  case. 

Ito  Kwaiba  did  not  brag  when  he  spoke  of  his  beauty  as  a  boy, 
his  handsome  figure  as  a  young  man.  These  had  brought  him 
wealth  and  position ;  gained,  it  was  whispered,  in  vilest  service  to 
his  lord.  In  these  days  he  had  in  his  employ  a  chilgen  named 
Isuke,  or  as  some  say  Kohei.  Engaged  before  the  mirror  Kwaiba 
was  applying  the  paint  and  powder  which  of  late  had  become 
necessary  adjuncts  to  fit  him  to  appear  before  his  lord.  A  gesture 
of  pain  and  discomfiture,  and  then  Kwaiba  turned  irritably  toward 
his  satellite.  "  Isuke,  you  are  a  clever  fellow.  Kwaiba  has  needed 
no  aids  to  his  looks — up  to  recent  days.  Now  paint  and  powder, 
all  the  armoury  of  a  woman,  or  paraphernalia  of  an  actor,  hardly 
avail  to  conceal  the  blotches  which  disfigure  Kwaiba's  face  and 
body.  The  voice  broken  and  husky,  the  lightning  pains  in  limbs 
and  joints,  these  violet  patches — in  such  state  it  soon  will  be 
impossible  to  act  as  attendant  on  his  lordship's  household  service, 
as  kami-yakunin.  What  disorder  eats  into  the  life  and  happiness 
of  Kwaiba?" 

For  a  time  Isuke  made  no  answer,  beyond  a  bow  at  his  master's 
acknowledgment  of  his  cleverness,  and  in  which  he  heartily  con- 
curred. He  seemed  engaged  in  a  close  contemplation  of  the  end 
162 


NEWS  FROM  KWAIBA  163 

of  his  nose.  "  Hei !  Hei !  "  It  was  all  that  Kwaiba  could  get  out 
of  him  for  the  moment.  Then  noting  the  growing  anger  Isuke 
began  with — "  Condescend  beforehand  to  pardon  this  Isuke. 
Though  the  anger  of  the  Wakadono  (young  lord)  is  hard  to  bear, 
yet  a  faithful  servitor  should  speak.  Deign  to  step  this  way." 
He  conducted  Kwaiba  to  one  of  those  small  retired  rooms,  open- 
ing on  an  inner  garden  and  common  to  every  properly  built  house 
of  any  size  in  Nippon.  He  closed  the  few  rain-doors,  shutting 
out  the  light.  Then  fetching  a  piece  of  camphor,  he  set  fire  to  it. 
When  the  thick  yellow  light  flared  strongly  he  took  up  a  hand- 
mirror  and  passed  it  to  Kwaiba.  Kwaiba  was  frightened  at  what 
he  saw.  His  face  was  dark  as  that  of  a  peasant  of  Satsuma. 
Said  Isuke — "  The  darkness  is  shown  up  by  the  light  of  the  burn- 
ing camphor.  The  colour  is  due  to  the  poison  circulating  between 
the  body  and  the  outer  skin.  The  white  sunlight  does  not  show 
up  this  symptom.  But  there  is  another  test."  Lighting  a  candle, 
he  took  a  long  steel  kanzashi  needle  and  heated  it  to  redness. 
Holding  the  cold  end  by  his  head  towel  he  grasped  the  arm  of 
Kwaiba.  The  latter  drew  back,  afraid.  "  Nay,  it  will  give  no 
pain,"  said  Isuke.  He  thrust  the  hot  length  of  the  needle  several 
inches  under  the  skin.  As  far  as  Kwaiba  was  concerned  he  might 
as  well  have  thrust  it  into  the  straw  matting  (tatami)  at  his  feet. 
Isuke  withdrew  the  needle  and  carefully  pressed  the  arm.  A 
brownish  liquor  oozed  out ;  not  blood.  "  The  Danna  has  a  nose — 
as  yet."  Kwaiba  hastily  applied  his  arm  to  that  member.  He 
turned  his  face  to  one  side  in  disgust  and  horror — "  Is  this 
Kwaiba  already  dead  and  rotten?  In  such  condition  all  is  lost. 
Duty  no  longer  can  be  performed.  Service  and  income  cease 
together.  Isuke,  there  remains  naught  but  to  get  out  the  mats. 
Kwaiba  will  cut  belly." 

Isuke  examined  him  carefully  and  quizzically.  Satisfied  with 
his  inspection,  he  said — "  Deign  to  have  confidence  in  Isuke.  In 
former  days  he  was  not  Isuke  the  chfigcn.  Son  of  a  doctor  of  the 
Dutch  practice  at  Nagasaki ;  gambling,  wine,  women  have  re- 
duced Isuke  to  the  state  of  a  servant.     Family  and  friends  long 


164  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

since  have  discarded  and  cast  him  out.  The  severance  of  rela- 
tions between  parent  and  child  was  formal.  Isuke  owes  naught 
of  service  or  duty  to  any  but  his  master  Kwaiba.  Here  is  his 
refuge.  Deign  to  give  Isuke  three  silver  ryo.  The  disease  is 
curable.  Trust  the  matter  to  Isuke.  Sop  pin  (mercury)  duly 
applied  will  remove  the  poison,  and  with  it  all  the  disastrous 
symptoms.  The  two  hundred  and  thirty  tawara  of  income  are 
enjoyed  by  the  Wakadono.  Service  can  be  performed;  and 
Isuke  preserves  such  a  good  master."  Flattered  and  frightened 
Kwaiba  at  once  handed  over  the  money.  Isuke  disappeared  to 
secure  the  drug  necessary  to  the  "  Dutch  practice."  Baths  and 
potions,  potions  and  baths,  followed  in  due  course.  The  promises 
of  Isuke  were  fulfilled.  The  fearful  symptoms  gradually  were 
alleviated.  In  the  course  of  six  months  Kwaiba  was  himself 
again ;  his  position  was  assured  to  him.  He  heaved  double  sighs — 
of  relief  from  the  nightmare  which  had  pursued  him;  of  anxiety 
at  the  nightmare  substituted  for  it. 

Kwaiba  was  a  rake  and  a  gambler.  So  was  Isuke.  The  two 
hundred  and  thirty  tawara  of  income  was  saved  to  Kwaiba — and 
Isuke.  Not  long  after  the  cure  was  thus  assured  Isuke  disap- 
peared. Kwaiba  sighed  gently,  with  relief  at  the  departure  of 
one  who  knew  too  much  of  his  affairs,  and  with  a  scared  feeling 
on  losing  the  only  "  doctor  "  in  whom  he  had  confidence.  "  These 
fellows  come  and  go,  like  leaves  on  a  tree.  Isuke  has  grown  tired, 
and  deserted.  Some  day  he  may  return.  This  Kwaiba  is  a  good 
master."  Isuke  did  return — in  the  form  of  a  note  from  the 
Yoshiwara.  Twenty  ryo  were  needed  to  pay  his  debts  to  pleasure 
and  gambling.  Severely  reprimanded,  Isuke  opened  his  eyes  in 
astonishment.  "  Respectfully  heard  and  understood :  has  the 
income  been  reduced  ?  But  that  does  not  afifect  the  share  of  Isuke. 
He  keeps  well  within  his  limit."  This  was  the  first  intimation 
Kwaiba  had  of  Isuke's  views  as  to  his  role  of  physician.  In 
those  days  the  doctor  usually  had  the  pleasure  of  performance, 
not  of  payment.     Moreover  with  the  great — like  Kwaiba — per- 


NEWS  FROM  KWAIBA  165 

formance  was  carried  out  at  a  distance ;  the  pulse  felt  by  the  vibra- 
tion of  a  string  attached  to  the  wrist,  or  at  best  by  passing  the 
hand  under  the  coverlet.  For  a  time  Kwaiba's  strange  medical 
attendant  devoted  himself  to  his  more  prosaic  duties  of  chugen. 
Within  ten  days  his  master  ransomed  him  from  a  resort  in 
Shinagawa ;  price,  ten  ryo.  A  few  weeks  later  he  was  heard  from 
at  a  gambler's  resort  in  Shinjuku.  The  note  was  peremptory — 
and  for  fifty  ryo.  Kwaiba  lost  all  patience.  Moreover,  just  then 
he  held  office  very  favourable  for  bringing  this  matter  to  an  issue. 
But  he  must  have  Isuke;  and  have  him  in  Yotsuya.  As  usual 
payment  secured  the  presence  of  a  repentant  Isuke,  full  of  prom- 
ises of  amendment.  Kwaiba  smiled,  used  soft  words ;  and  shortly 
after  Isuke  was  confined  to  the  jail  on  a  trumped  up  charge  of 
theft  from  another  chugen.  Kwaiba,  then  acting  as  magistrate 
for  the  district,  had  full  power.  On  notification  he  assured  Isuke 
of  a  speedy  release.  This  the  unhappy  man  secured  through  a 
poisoned  meal,  following  a  long  fast.  He  died  raving,  and  cursing 
his  master.  No  one  heard  him  but  his  two  jailers,  who  considered 
him  crazy — this  man  of  bad  record. 

Years  had  passed,  but  Isuke  merely  lay  dormant  in  the  mind 
of  Kwaiba.  Then  came  up  the  affair  of  Tamiya — the  threatening 
curse  of  OTwa  San.  lemon's  counsel  lasted  but  over  night. 
With  soberness  and  morning  Kwaiba  straightway  showed  the 
results  of  wrecked  nerves  and  distorted  imagination.  Sleepless 
nights  he  now  visited  on  his  friends  by  an  increasing  irritability. 
The  first  few  days  of  this  state  of  Kwaiba  were  laughable.  He 
spoke  of  O'lwa  San ;  not  freely,  rather  with  reticence.  He  made 
his  references  as  of  jesting  expectation  of  her  advent.  Then  he 
passed  to  boisterous  tricks ;  springing  out  on  the  maids  from  dark 
corners  or  the  turns  in  the  corridors.  Alarmed  by  these  manifes- 
tations of  the  old  man — not  entirely  strange,  for  he  was  a  terror 
to  the  female  element  in  his  household — they  soon  noted  that  there 
was  an  unnatural  wildness  in  his  amusement  at  their  discomfiture. 
Now  he  would  talk  of  nothing  but  O'lwa.     From  this  hysterical 


166  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

mirth  he  passed  to  an  hysterical  fear.  Afraid  of  visions  of  the 
Lady  of  Tamiya  he  stayed  awake  at  night.  To  be  alone  appalled 
him.  He  would  have  others  keep  awake  with  him.  He  was  now 
at  the  gibbering  stage.  "  Night  in  the  house  of  Kwaiba  is  to  be 
turned  into  day.  The  day  shall  be  the  time  for  sleep.  Lights ! 
Lights !  More  lights !  "  He  sat  surrounded  by  his  household, 
until  the  white  light  of  dawn  filtered  through  the  spaces  above 
the  rain-doors.  One  of  his  women,  her  hair  down  for  washing, 
met  him  unexpectedly  in  the  corridor.  With  a  howl  of  terror  he 
started  to  flee.  Then  recognizing  her,  he  flew  on  her  and  beat  her 
almost  to  a  jelly  in  his  insane  rage.  People  began  to  talk  of 
the  eccentricities  of  Ito  Kwaiba — the  honoured  ward  head. 

Barely  three  weeks  after  lemon's  visit  a  violent  scene  occurred 
in  the  mansion  of  the  kumi-gashira.  Shouts  and  screams,  the 
smashing  of  screens  and  sounds  of  a  terrific  struggle  were  heard 
in  Kwaiba's  room.  Kibei,  who  with  the  men' preferred  night  for 
sleep,  rushed  in.  He  found  the  old  man  standing,  stark  naked  and 
alone.  His  attendants  had  fled — to  a  woman.  His  pillow  sword 
drawn,  Kwaiba  ■  was  dancing  to  this  side  and  that.  "  Isuke ! 
OTwa !  Pardon  !  This  Kwaiba  is  a  wicked  fellow  !  Isuke  was 
poisoned  by  Kwaiba.  OTwa  San  ?  Kwaiba  sold  her  for  a  street 
whore.  For  seven  lives  they  pursue  him.  Ah !  A  merry  chase ! 
But  Kwaiba  deals  not  with  night-hawks.  His  game  is  higher. 
Away  with  the  huzzy !  "  He  had  grasped  in  both  hands  the 
flower  vase  standing  in  the  alcove  {tokonoma) .  Kibei  dodged, 
and  catching  him  by  a  wrestler's  hold,  threw  him  to  the  ground. 
Kakusuke,  just  entering,  was  knocked  flat  by  the  heavy  missile. 
Groaning,  he  rose,  and  with  other  servants  came  to  the  aid  of  the 
Wakadono.  Kwaiba  was  overpowered  and  guarded  during  the 
remainder  of  the  night. 

With  daylight  he  knew  nothing  of  what  had  occurred ;  at  least 
he  made  no  reference  to  it,  no  response  to  the  talk  of  others. 
His  fear  was  now  full  on  him.  He  babbled  of  nothing  but  Isuke 
and  OTwa  San.    Now  he  was  incapacitated,  downright  ill.    There 


NEWS  FROM   KWAIBA  167 

was  no  more  turning  of  day  into  night,  and  vice  versa.  He 
was  in  the  hands  of  his  nurses.  But  to  humour  him  Kibei  mar- 
shalled the  women.  Their  beds  were  made  encircling  that  of 
Kwaiba  in  the  midst.  Kibei  and  Kakusuke  were  present.  Thus 
they  lay  in  this  room  brilliant  with  its  scores  of  lanterns,  its  wax 
lights  blazing  on  the  lamp-stands.  At  the  sides  and  in  each  corner 
were  placed  the  scrolls  of  the  holy  sutra.  Kwaiba  in  despair 
sought  a  sleep  which  would  not  favour  him.  "  Some  one  walks  in 
the  corridor.  .  .  .  Namu  Amida  Butsu !  Namu  Amida 
Butsu  !  .  .  .  Kibei !  Kibei !  "  The  appeal  to  the  man  would 
bring  quicker  response  than  that  to  the  Buddha.  Indeed  there 
was  a  sound,  as  of  hair  rubbing  across  the  paper  screens,  of  some 
one  or  something  trying  to  peer  through  the  opaque  material. 
There  was  a  rattle  and  dash  of  rain.  A  gust  swept  through  the 
corridor,  the  shoji  slightly  parted.  Kwaiba  gave  a  shriek — 
"  OTwa !  OTwa  San !  Ah !  The  bloated  face,  the  drooping 
eyelid,  the  corpse  taint  in  the  air.  It  catches  Kwaiba's  throat. 
OTwa  the  O'Bake  would  force  away  Kwaiba  the  living.  Ha ! 
Ha!  "  A  stronger  gust,  and  the  slwji  dislodged  from  its  groove 
whirled  round  and  fell  noisily  into  the  room.  Terror  gave  strength 
to  the  sick  man.  Kwaiba  sprang  madly  forward.  It  was  horrible 
to  see  the  ghastly  renovation  of  this  tottering,  flabby,  emaciated 
man,  who  yet  inspired  the  fear  of  a  maniac's  reckless  strength. 
The  frightened  women  huddled  and  crouched  in  the  now  dark- 
ened room,  lit  but  by  a  single  andon  near  the  alcove.  Was 
Kwaiba  mad  ?  As  the  men  fought  over  the  ruins  of  the  shoji,  in 
the  darkness  of  the  corridor,  at  first  faint  as  a  mist,  then  distinctly 
seen,  the  women  were  assured  of  the  presence  of  O'lwa.  In  long 
black  robe,  face  wide  and  bloated,  of  a  livid  greenish  tint,  hair 
in  wild  disorder,  bulging  forehead,  swollen  eyeless  lids,  she  stood 
over  the  struggling  men.  Suddenly  she  thrust  the  severed  head 
she  carried  into  the  face  of  Kwaiba,  leering  horribly  at  him  the 
while.  With  a  yell  he  fell  flat  on  his  back.  The  braver  entered 
with  lights.    All  gathered  round  the  unconscious  Kwaiba. 


168  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

This  scene  was  the  crisis  of  his  disorder.  The  disease,  once 
dormant,  now  fell  on  him  suddenly  and  with  full  force.  Perhaps 
these  mental  symptoms  were  its  first  indication.  More  annoying 
to  his  comfort,  ulcers  broke  out  all  over  his  body.  The  itching 
drove  the  man  nearly  frantic.  His  mad  scratching  spread  the 
sores.  The  boils  developed.  They  ran  with  pus.  So  terrible  was 
the  stench  that  few  would  stay  by  him.  The  women  fled  the  room 
in  terror,  driven  away  by  the  running  stream  of  physical  corrup- 
tion, the  continual  babble  of  lewdness  from  the  corrupt  mind. 
He  soon  noted  their  absence.  Kibei,  attended  by  the  sturdy  and 
faithful  Kakusuke,  remained  to  nurse  him.  Suddenly  said  Kwaiba 
— "  O'Hana,  the  harlot  of  Reigan ;  this  Kwaiba  would  have 
talk  and  dalliance  with  her.  Summon  her  hither.  Let  wine  and 
the  samisen  be  brought,  a  feast  prepared.  O'Hana !  O'Hana !  '' 
He  raved  so  for  the  woman  that  Kibei  thought  her  presence  would 
quiet  him.  A  request  was  sent  to  the  house  of  lemon.  Wishing 
her  to  know  nothing  of  the  affair  of  O'lwa,  lemon  had  kept  silence. 
He  would  have  refused  the  mission — on  the  pretext  of  a  quarrel 
with  Kwaiba  and  Kibei.  O'Hana  showed  herself  unexpectedly 
obstinate — "  It  is  to  the  favour  of  Kwaiba  Sama  that  lemon  owes 
this  Hana.  She  has  a  duty  to  the  past,  as  well  as  to  the  present." 
With  a  snarl  she  turned  on  him,  glowering.  lemon  shrank  back. 
He  passed  his  hand  across  the  eyes  into  which  O'lwa  had  just 
looked.    He  no  longer  opposed  her  going. 

O'Hana  was  still  weak  from  repeated  attacks  of  the  fever 
which  had  visited  her  ever  since  the  night  lemon  had  cast  forth 
the  aodaisho.  She  said  that  the  snake  had  bitten  her.  It  was  the 
poison,  not  fever,  working  in  her.  lemon  had  laughed  at  her 
proposal  to  try  the  exorcisms  of  the  priest.  Behind  the  irritation 
aroused  by  his  scepticism  was  that  peculiar  clinging  of  a  woman 
to  an  old  lover,  to  a  man  with  whom  she  had  been  intimate. 
In  the  heart  of  O'Hana  there  still  remained  a  strong  leaning  to 
the  man  who  had  removed  her  from  the  rapid  and  nauseating  life 
of  the  Fukagawa  brothel,  which  cast  her  into  the  arms  of  anyone 


NEWS  FROM   KWAIBA  169 

who  paid  the  price  and  raised  his  finger.  With  time  and  the  old 
conditions  probably  she  would  have  been  as  unfaithful  to  lemon 
as  she  had  been  to  Kwaiba.  The  latter  showing  his  desire,  she 
would  have  answered  his  call.  Even  before  this  disease-eaten 
swollen  mass  of  dropsy,  she  showed  but  temporary  repugnance. 
Leaning  over  him,  almost  overcome  by  the  stench,  with  endear- 
ing terms  she  strove  to  rouse  him  to  consciousness  and  recognition 
of  her.  It  seemed  fearful  to  have  him  die  without  the  word  of 
parting.  Kibei  aided  her  by  raising  the  old  man.  The  result  was 
a  horrible  frightened  stare  in  eyes  made  large  by  fever  and 
delirium.  Long  he  gazed  at  her.  Said  the  woman — "  'Tis  Hana ; 
Hana  once  the  intimate  of  Kwaiba.  Deign  to  take  courage.  This 
is  but  a  passing  afifliction.  With  Hana  as  nurse  recovery  to  health 
is  assured."  She  laid  her  hands  on  his  shoulders.  In  so  doing 
her  hair,  come  loose,  fell  down  around  her  wan  face.  Kwaiba 
was  as  .galvanized.  With  a  howl  the  old  man  pushed  her  violently 
away.  "  Scrawny  wench  !  What  impudence  to  show  your  face 
here !  Ah !  To  the  last  moment,  waking  and  in  dreams,  she 
pursues  this  Kwaiba.  I  sold  you.  'Tis  true — I  sold  you  for  a 
night-hawk — to  Toemon  of  Honjo.  Does  Kwaiba  consort  with 
wenches  of  such  ilk  ?  Raising  his  fist  he  dealt  her  blow  after  blow, 
all  the  time  shouting — *'  OTwa  !  OTwa !  The  O'Bake  solicits 
Kwaiba.  Broken  loose  from  Hell  and  the  waters  of  Warigesui 
she  would  force  away  Kwaiba.  Help  !  Help  !  Aid  for  Kwaiba  ! 
Away  with  the  O'Bake !  "  The  old  man  again  had  broken  into  his 
mad  fit.  The  shouts  of  Kibei  brought  Kakusuke.  Kwaiba's  hands 
were  detached  from  the  masses  of  O'Hana's  hair.  The  wounds 
on  her  face  were  not  so  deep  as  those  inflicted  on  her  mind.  At 
last  the  secret  was  out.  In  bare  feet  she  fled  along  the  muddy 
street  toward  the  Samoncho  house. 

It  was  true  that  the  vileness  of  the  disease,  the  vileness  of 
Kwaiba's  tongue,  had  driven  the  women  from  attendance  in  the 
sick  room  to  the  remotest  quarters  of  the  house.  But  there  was 
a  deterrent  even  to  their  now  limited  service.     All  said  the  place 


170  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

where  Kwaiba  lay  was  haunted.  Under  press  of  necessity  a  maid 
had  brought  needed  medicaments  to  the  sick  man's  room.  Put- 
ting down  the  Hght  she  carried  on  the  roka,  she  pushed  open  the 
shoji  to  enter  the  outer  chamber.  Her  robe  caught  as  she  did  so. 
Turning  to  release  it  she  gave  a  fearful  shriek.  Standing  in  the 
corridor,  at  the  open  screen  behind  her,  were  two  tall  figures 
robed  in  black.  With  dishevelled  hair,  broad  white  flat  faces, 
bulging  brows,  eyelids  swollen  and  sightless,  yet  they  gazed 
through  and  through  the  onlooker  and  into  the  farther  room. 
One  creature,  even  more  hideous  with  drooping  lid  and  baldness 
extending  far  back,  half  moved,  half  fell  toward  the  frightened 
maid.  The  woman's  screams  now  were  mingled  with  wild 
laughter.  Kibei  came  rushing  out,  sword  drawn,  to  find  her  in  a 
fit  of  mad  hysterics.  Catching  the  drift  of  her  broken  phrases  he 
went  out  on  the  roka.  There  was  no  one  there.  Maori  and 
kimono,  hung  up  there  to  dry,  rustled  and  moved  a  little  in  the 
draft.  Had  these  frightened  the  woman  ?  Kakusuke  carried  her 
back  to  her  companions.  Henceforth  no  one  would  enter  that 
■part  of  the  building  occupied  by  the  sick  man.  Kibei  as  son, 
Kakusuke  the  old  and  faithful  attendant,  \yere  isolated  in  their 
nursing. 

Kibei  noted  the  sick  man's  face.  "  Father,  why  the  forehead 
so  wrinkled?  Is  pain  condescended?  "  Said  Kwaiba — "  'Tis  the 
rats;  they  gnaw  and  worry  at  Kwaiba." — "  Rats?  "  replied  Kibei 
in  some  astonishment.  He  looked  around.  The  shoji  were  tight 
closed.  Kwaiba  noted  the  inspection.  He  shook  his  head,  and 
pointed  to  the  rama-shdji,  the  ornamental  open  work  near  the  ceil- 
ing. This  could  not  be  obviated.  ''Auntie  (Obasan)  is  old  and 
deaf.  She  sleeps ;  while  rats,  attracted  by  the  foul  sores  of  the 
scrofulous  child,  enter  and  attack  the  infant  in  its  cradle.  The 
child  gets  thinner  and  weaker  every  day ;  then  dies.  A  terrible 
creature  is  the  rat."  So  much  for  the  opinion  of  Nippon.  Kibei 
had  brought  a  mosquito  net.    Its  edges  were  weighted  down  with 


NEWS  FROM  KWAIBA  171 

heavy  stones.  Thus  the  watchers  could  not  be  taken  by  surprise. 
Under  its  protection  the  sick  man  was  saved  from  annoyance. 

Said  Kibei — "  This  illness  is  most  tedious.  Could  not  Kibei 
go  to  the  Yoshiwara  for  a  space?  The  letters  of  the  Kashiku 
{oiran)  accumulate.  Kibei  has  nothing  to  give,  and  has  given  no 
explanation  for  not  giving.  What  thinks  Kakusuke  ?  "  Kaku- 
suke  was  brave.  Moreover  he  knew  the  Wakadono  was  brave. 
The  prospect,  however,  of  facing  his  old  master  in  a  crazy  fit — 
and  perhaps  OTwa — had  no  attraction.  He  gave  his  advice — 
"  The  Go  Inkyo  Sama  is  in  a  very  precarious  state.  He  is  now 
very  weak.  The  worst  may  happen  at  any  moment.  For  the 
Wakadono  to  be  taking  his  pleasure  at  the  Yoshiwara  would 
arouse  criticism  in  the  ward ;  nay,  even  more  than  criticism.  It 
would  be  held  unfilial.  Deign  to  reconsider  the  purpose." 
Kibei  looked  sourly  at  the  swollen  corruption  which  represented 
Kwaiba — "  How  does  he  hold  on!  His  strength  must  be  great." 
Kakusuke  shrugged  his  shoulders — "  The  Go  Inkyd  Sama  will 
not  die  easily.  He  has  much  to  go  through  yet." — "  In  the  name 
of  all  the  kami  and  Buddhas,  how  has  he  come  to  such  an  end? 
He  is  a  sight  to  inspire  fear — in  those  who  can  feel  such."  Re- 
plied Kakusuke  with  sly  look — "  The  Go  Inkyo  Sama  has  lived 
high,  and  loved  beyond  measure.  The  Wakadono  does  well  to 
reconsider  his  purpose." 

The  night  was  passing.  The  two  men,  worn  out  by  the  con- 
tinued watching  and  nursing,  after  vain  struggle  to  keep  awake 
had  gone  to  sleep.  Kakusuke  was  in  the  room  with  Kwaiba.  In 
his  slumber  Kibei  was  back  in  the  fencing  room.  The  clash  of 
the  wooden  swords  {hokken),  the  cries  of  the  contestants,  rang 
clear  in  his  ears.  He  woke  to  find  rain  and  storm  shaking  and 
tearing  at  the  amado.  But  it  was  the  shouts  of  Kakusuke,  stand- 
ing at  the  shdj'i,  which  had  aroused  him — "  Danna  Sama  !  Danna 
Sama  !  Wakadono  !  At  once  !  At  once  !  Deign  to  hasten  !  " 
Kibei  rushed  into  the  next  room.  In  fright  Kakusuke  pointed  to 
the  moscjuito  net.     A  figure   stood  upright   within   it,   swaying. 


172  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

gesticulating,  struggling.  It  was  a  figure  all  black  and  horrible. 
"  Un !  Un  !  "  grunted  Kwaiba.  He  was  answered  by  a  mincing, 
gnawing  sound.  "  Father  !  Have  courage  !  Kibei  is  here."  He 
rushed  at  the  heavy  stones,  to  toss  them  to  one  side  and  enter 
the  net.  The  swaying  figure  within  suddenly  toppled  over  in  a 
heap.  With  his  sword  Kibei  tore  and  severed  the  cording  of  the 
net.  The  black  mass  of  rats  scattered  to  the  eight  directions  of 
space.  On  approaching  Kwaiba  a  terrible  sight  met  the  eye. 
Eyes,  ears,  nose,  chin,  toes  and  fingers  had  been  torn  and  eaten 
off.  The  lips  were  gnawed  away  and  exposed  to  view  the  grinning 
teeth.  A  feeble  groan — and  Kwaiba  had  met  his  end.  Neither 
Kibei  nor  Kakusuke  dared  to  touch  the  foul  body.  In  their  panic 
the  two  men  looked  in  each  other's  faces.  "  Namu  Amida  Butsu ! 
Holy  the  Lord  Buddha,  Amida !  "  prayed  Kibei,  on  his  knees 
before  the  corpse.    "  Namu  Amida  Butsu !  "  answered  Kakusuke.^ 

'  The  term  "  Inkyd,"  already  several  times  used,  applies  to  a  man 
who  has  retired  from  active  life,  leaving  the  management  of  the  affairs 
of  the  House  to  the  duly  appointed  heir  and  successor.  A  specified 
portion  of  the  income  is  usually  assigned  for  his  maintenance,  and 
forms  a  first  lien,  so  to  speak,  on  such  return.  The  modernized  law 
of  Nippon  does  not  permit  assumption  of  this  state  before  the  age  of 
fifty  years,  unless  there  be  incapacitation  such  as  necessitates  retire- 
ment. In  ancient  days  (pre-Meiji)  there  was  no  such  limitation. 
Men  often  retired  very  early  in  life — from  caprice,  family  intrigue, 
or  for  the  freer  management  of  their  affairs.  In  the  latter  case  they 
had  more  power  and  less  responsibility;  the  latter  falling  on  the  heir 
and  successor,  perhaps  still  a  mere  child.    Go  is  merely  honorofic. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

IN  THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  GO-INKYO 

Said  a  neighbour  next  day,  on  meeting  his  fellow-gossip — 
"  Ah !  Is  it  Goemon  San  ?  It  is  said  the  Go  Inkyo  is  to  be 
congratulated."  Kamimura  Goemon  sniffed.  He  was  a  long  man ; 
with  long  face,  long  nose,  long  thin  arms,  long  thin  legs ;  a  mali- 
cious man,  who  longed  to  give  advice  to  his  fellows  which  they 
much  disliked  to  hear,  and  liked  to  see  them  writhe  under  the 
infliction.  In  fact  this  epitome  of  length  rarely  spoke  in  good  faith 
or  temper — "  The  Go  Inkyo  is  to  be  congratulated  ?  Escaping 
the  troubles  of  this  world,  perhaps  he  has  fallen  into  worse 
troubles  in  the  next."  At  this  unorthodox  reply  Mizoguchi 
Hambei  showed  surprise.  Continued  Goemon — "  The  Go  Inkyd 
died  a  leper,  eaten  by  the  rats.  Such  an  end  hardly  calls  for  con- 
gratulations." Mizoguchi  gasped,  with  round  eyes  and  round 
face.  "  Extraordinary !  " — "  Not  at  all,"  replied  Kamikura,  com- 
placently tapping  the  palm  of  one  hand  with  the  elongated  fingers 
of  the  other.  "  The  Go  Inkyo  drove  out  OTwa  San  from  Tamiya. 
He  gave  O'Hana  in  her  stead  to  lemon  as  wife.  Hana  the  harlot ! 
Cursed  by  OTwa  in  dying,  he  has  met  this  frightful  end.  Aki- 
yama,  Natsume,  Imaizumi  will  surely  follow.  As  will  all  those 
involved  in  the  affair.'' — "  But  is  OTwa  San  really  the  cause  of  the 
death?  The  Go  Inkyo  in  life  was  not  the  most  careful  of  men 
in  conserving  health."  This  was  timidly  interjected  by  a  third 
party.  Kamimura  suppressed  him  with  a  scowl — "  Of  course 
it  is  OTwa  San.  Has  she  not  been  seen?  The  women  of  the 
house  answer  for  it.  Only  Kibei  the  sceptic,  and  Kakusuke  who 
would  face  the  devil  in  person,  attempt  to  deny  it."  He  threw 
up  a  hand.  With  unction — "  Ah !  It  inspires  fear.  Small  is  the 
profit  of  wickedness  and  malice.  He  is  a  fool  who  indulges  in 
either.     ,     .     .     How  cold  it  is  for  the  time  of  year !  " 

173 


174  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN  "    ' 

Said  the  interloper — "  But  the  congratulations  have  to  be 
rendered  all  the  same.  It  will  bp  necessary  to  attend  the  all-night 
watch.  How  vexatious !  Perhaps  O'lwa  San  will  not  appear. 
There  is  no  getting  out  of  it?  " — "  Certainly  not,"  answered  Kami- 
mura.  "  The  Go  Inkyo  was  the  head  of  the  ward  association. 
Twelve  neighbours  have  been  invited  to  the  watch.  At  dawn  the 
body  is  to  be  prepared.  A  pleasant  undertaking,  if  all  that  is 
said  be  true !  The  viands  will  be  of  the  best,  the  wine  no  worse 
and  plentiful.  None  must  fail  to  attend."  He  smacked  his  lips. 
The  others  likewise,  but  much  less  heartily. 

It  was  an  unwilling  band  which  crawled  in  laggard  procession 
through  rain  and  mud  and  the  length  of  the  Teramachi  to  Kwaiba's 
house.  A  doshin,  the  ward  chief,  a  rich  man,  the  mansion  dis- 
played all  its  splendour.  The  atmosphere,  however,  was  oppres- 
sive. Kibei  greeted  the  guests  with  heartiness,  and  accepted  their 
condolence  and  gifts  with  lavish  thanks  and  the  cheerful  face 
of  him  that  profiteth  by  the  .funeral.  Kakusuke  was  his  main 
aid  in  connection  with  the  Go  Inkyo's  last  appearance.  Occasion- 
ally a  timid  white-faced  woman  was  seen,  but  she  would  flit  away 
from  the  scene  of  these  festivities,  to  seek  the  companionship  of 
her  panic-stricken  fellows.  Entering  the  funereal  chamber  the 
body  was  found,  laid  out  and  decently  swathed  so  as  to  cover,  as 
far  as  possible,  the  horrible  nature  of  the  death.  On  a  white 
wood  stand  was  the  thai  in  white  wood,  a  virtuous  lie  as  to  the 
qualities  of  the  deceased.  It  ran — Tentoku  Gishin  Jisho  Daishi. 
Which  can  be  interpreted — "  A  man  of  brilliant  virtues,  virtuous 
heart,  and  benevolent  temperament."  Screens,  upside  down,  were 
placed  at  the  head : 

"  Alas  !  The  screen  :  the  carp  descends  the  fall."  '  Akiyama, 
Natsume,  Imaizumi,  were  the  last  to  appear.  The  former  had 
been  composing  a  violent  quarrel  between  his  two  friends — the 
long  and  the  fat.    Much  recrimination  had  passed,  and  the  usually 

^  "  Awarase  ya:  Byobu  wa  koi  no  taki  sagari."  The  living  carp 
strives  to  ascend  the  fall. 


IN  THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  GO-INKYO  175 

peaceful  Imaizumi  was  in  a  most  violent  and  trucculent  humour. 
He  glared  with  hate  on  Natsume,  who  now  aided  Akiyama  in 
efforts  to  soothe  his  anger.  On  entering  the  assembly  the  looks 
of  all  were  composed.  "  A  retribution  for  deeds  in  the  past 
world.  Old ;  but  so  vigorous  !  The  offering  is  a  mere  trifle.  This 
Kyuzo  would  burn  a  stick  of  incense."  Kibei  extended  his  thanks 
and  suppressed  his  smile  as  much  as  possible.  He  was  breathing 
with  full  lungs  for  the  first  time  in  weeks.  The  storm  was  over; 
happiness  was  ahead;  the  clouded  sky  was  all  serene.  "  Thanks 
are  felt.  This  Kibei  is  most  fortunate :  nay,  grateful.  Such  kind- 
ness is  not  to  be  forgotten  during  life." — "  The  Inkyd  an  hotoke ; 
lemon  Dono  and  O'Hana  are  the  husband  and  wife  not  present?  " 
The  question  came  from  some  one  in  the  room.  "  O'Hana  San 
is  very  ill.  Her  state  is  serious.  lemon  does  not  leave  her." 
Akiyama  answered  for  the  truant  pair.  Kibei's  joy  was  complete. 
Akiyama,  Natsume,  Imaizumi  were  standing  by  Kwaiba's  body. 
Kamimura  slowly  approached.  The  long  man's  face  was  longer 
than  ever ;  longer,  much  longer  than  that  of  Natsume ;  and  Kibei 
was  not  in  the  running.  Goemon  meditatively  fondled  his  nose ; 
on  the  pretence  of  concentrating  thought,  and  for  the  purpose  of 
relieving  that  member  from  the  savour  arising  from  Kwaiba's 
bier.  This  was  no  bed  of  roses — "  Yes,  the  Inkyo  is  indeed 
dead."  He  sniffed.  "  Soon  it  will  be  the  turn  of  all  of  you — 
to  be  like  this;  "  another  sniff — "  of  lemon  and  O'Hana,  of  Nat- 
sume and  Imaizumi,  of  this  Akiyama  San."  The  latter  gave  a 
violent  start.  With  hand  to  his  nose  also,  he  turned  on  the  in- 
truder. Continued  Goemon — "  A  plot  was  concocted  against 
OTwa  San.  Beggared  and  driven  from  the  ward,  deceived  and 
sold  as  a  street  harlot,  this  death  of  the  Inkyo  is  but  the  first  in 
the  roll  of  her  vengeance.  Kamimura  speaks  with  pure  heart  and 
without  malice.  You  men  are  not  long  for  this  world.  Is 
Akiyama  San  reconciled?  And  .  .  ."  He  pointed  a  skinny 
finger  at  Kyuzo,  then  at  Jinzaemon.  "  You  show  it.  Your  eyes 
are  hollow ;  your  nostrils  are  fallen  in.     The  colour  of  the  face 


176  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

is  livid.  You  seem  already  to  be  hotoke,  prepared  to  lie  with  the 
Go  Inkyo."  Akiyama  found  his  tongue.  He  burst  out  in  a  rage — 
"  The  jest  is  unseemly.  Kamimura  San  goes  too  far.  It  is  true 
this  Chozaemon  gave  counsel  to  Ito  Kwaiba.  Kyuzo  and  Jinzae- 
mon  took  some  part  in  what  followed.  But  we  acted  on  the  orders 
of  Ito  Dono,  of  lemon  San.  On  the  first  will  be  visited  any 
grudge."  Goemon  laughed  harshly.  He  pointed  to  the  corpse. 
"Here  he  lies.  How  did  he  die?  Goemon  does  not  jest,  and 
the  argument  of  Akiyama  San  is  rotten.  The  master  bids  the  ser- 
vants to  beat  the  snow  from  the  bushes.  The  snow  falls  on  them ; 
not  on  him.  How  now  Akiyama  San  ?  "  Chozaemon  turned  away 
discomfited.    All  three  felt  very  bad — in  mind  and  body. 

The  bell  of  Sainenji  struck  the  eighth  hour  (i  a.m.).  Just 
opposite,  its  clangour  filled  the  whole  mansion  with  a  ghostly 
sound.  In  the  depths  of  night  this  inert  mass  of  metal  seemed  a 
thing  of  life,  casting  its  influence  into  the  lives  of  those  present, 
rousing  them  to  face  grave  issues.  Noting  the  absence  of  Nat- 
sume,  the  round-faced,  round-eyed,  round-bodied  Imaizumi  fol- 
lowed after.  Kibei  came  forth  from  the  supper  room,  to  find  his 
guests  all  flown.  "  Where  have  they  gone  to,  Kakusuke?  "  He 
looked  around  in  amazement — "  They  were  taken  with  pains  in  the 
belly.  With  this  excuse  they  departed.  Yotsuya  is  afflicted  with 
a  flux."  The  chug  en  answered  in  the  dry  and  certain  tone  of  one 
unconvinced.  Kibei  shrugged  his  shoulders.  "  There  is  naught 
wrong  with  wine  or  viands  ?  " — "  Nor  with  the  guests,"  replied 
Kakusuke.  "  They  are  cowards,  who  have  caught  some  inkling 
as  to  the  not  over-nice  death  of  the  Go  Inkyo." — "  The  latter  day 
hushi  are  not  what  the  hushi  were  of  old;  at  least  this  brand  of 
them.  Ah!  These  wretched  little  bureaucrats;  hushi  of  the  pen. 
Two  men  to  eat  a  supper  prepared  for  twelve  sturdy  trenchers. 
Well :  two  are  enough  to  wash  the  corpse.  Lend  a  hand  Kaku- 
suke."— "  Respectfully  heard  and  obeyed,"  replied  the  chugen. 

The  white  dress  for  the  last  cover  to  the  body  was  laid  ready. 
Secured  by  Kwaiba  many  years  before  in  a  pilgrimage  to  the  holy 


IN  THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  GO-INKYO  177 

Koyasan,  the  sacred  characters  were  woven  into  its  tissue.  Kaku- 
stike  dragged  a  large  tub  into  the  bathroom.  Kwaiba's  body  was 
unswathed  and  placed  in  it.  Kakusuke  eyed  his  late  master  with 
critical  and  unfavourable  eye.  "  Naruhodo !  The  Go  Inkyo  is  a 
strange  object.  No  eyes:  nose,  ears,  lips  gone;  his  expression  is 
not  a  pleasant  one.  .  .  .  Nay !  The  Wakadono  is  awkward. 
Throw  the  water  from  head  to  feet.  .  .  .  Take  care  !  Don't 
throw  it  over  Kakusuke.  He  at  least  is  yet  alive.  The  Wakadono 
is  wasteful.  More  is  needed.  Deign  to  wait  a  moment.  Kaku- 
suke draws  it  from  the  well."  He  opened  the  side  door  and  went 
outside.  Kibei  drew  a  little  apart  from  the  body.  It  stank.  A 
noise  at  the  sliding  window  (hikimado)  in  the  roof  made  him 
look  up.  Oya !  Oya !  The  face  of  O'lwa  filled  the  aperture — 
round,  white,  flat;  with  pufTed  eyelids  and  a  sightless  glare.  With 
a  cry  of  horror  and  surprise  Kibei  sprang  to  the  door.  As  he  did 
so  slender  attenuated  hands  groped  downward.  "  Kakusuke ! 
Kakusuke  !  " — "  What  is  it,  Wakadono  ?  " — "  OTwa :  she  looks 
down  through  the  hikimado!  She  seeks  the  Inkyo!  "  Kakusuke 
gave  a  look  upward — "  Bah !  It's  the  cat.  Is  the  Wakadono,  too, 
getting  nerves  ?  They  are  a  poor  investment." — "  The  cat !  " 
Kibei  sighed  with  relief.  Nevertheless  he  kept  his  hand  on 
his  sword. 

He  turned  round — to  give  a  shout  of  surprise — "  Kakusuke ! 
Kakusuke  !  The  body  of  the  Go  Inkyo  is  no  longer  here."  As  the 
astonished  chugen  came  running  to  look  into  the  empty  tub,  both 
men  nearly  fell  over  in  their  wonder.  The  body  of  the  Inkyo  was 
whirling  around  the  neighbouring  room  in  execution  of  a  mad 
dance.  Followed  by  Kakusuke,  his  worthy  son  and  heir  sprang  in 
pursuit.  Invisible  hands  led  Kwaiba  and  the  pursuers  into  the 
darkness  of  the  garden,  into  the  rain  and  storm.  Kibei  heard 
the  steps  just  in  front  of  him.  He  pursued  madly  after  them. 
"  To  lose  his  parent's  body — this  was  against  all  rules  of  Bushido." 
Thus  comments  the  scribe  of  Nippon.  Kibei  could  commit  all 
the  moral  and  physical  atrocities  except — failure  in  filial  conduct 
12 


178  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

to  parent  and  lord ;  the  unpardonable  sins  of  the  Scripture  of 
Bushido.  Kakusuke  soon  lost  his  master  in  the  darkness.  Dis- 
concerted and  anxious  he  returned  to  secure  a  lantern.  The 
wind  promptly  blew  it  out ;  then  another,  and  a  third.  He  stood  on 
the  roka  in  the  darkness  to  wait  the  return  of  the  Wakadono.  For 
the  first  time  Kakusuke  had  noted  failing  purpose  in  his  young 
master.  He  was  more  solicitous  over  this  than  over  the  strange 
disappearance  of  the  Inkyo  s  body.  Was  the  Wakadono  losing 
his  nerve ;  as  had  the  O'Dono  ? 

In  time  Kibei  reappeared.  To  Kakusuke's  inquiring  glance — 
"  Kibei  pursued  to  Myogyoji;  then  up  the  hill.  Here  sight  was 
lost  of  the  Inkyo.  The  darkness  prevented  further  search.  A 
lantern  is  next  to  worthless  in  this  gale.  Kakusuke,  go  to  the 
houses  of  Natsume  and  Imaizumi  close  by.  They  are  young  and 
will  aid  Kibei  in  the  search."  Kakusuke  did  not  demur.  Pulling 
his  cape  over  his  head,  off  he  posted.  He  asked  but  to  come 
across  the  Inkyo's  body,  in  OTwa's  company  or  not  made  no  differ- 
ence to  this  iron-hearted  servitor.  His  mission  was  fruitless.  The 
two  men  had  expressed  the  intention  of  spending  the  night  at  the 
Kwaiba  wake.  Neither  had  as  yet  returned.  Grumbled  Kibei — 
"  The  filthy  fellows !  With  this  excuse  to  their  wives  they  seek 
new  pastures  at  Nakacho  (Shinjuku),  to  spend  the  night  in  dissi- 
pation. 'Tis  Natsume  who  is  the  lecher.  Gladly  would  he  wean 
Imaizumi  from  his  barely  wed  wife." — "  Or  wean  the  wife  from 
Imaizumi  Sama !  Wakadono,  nothing  can  be  done  now.  The 
dawn  should  be  awaited."  With  these  sage  comments  the  chug  en 
squatted  at  respectful  distance  from  his  master.  From  time  to 
time  one  or  other  arose,  to  look  sceptically  into  the  empty  tub 
in  which  once  had  reposed  the  Inkyo's  body.  Finally  both  nodded 
off  into  sleep.  At  dawn — don,  don,  don,  don,  came  a  loud  knock- 
ing on  the  outer  gate.  Kakusuke  went  out,  to  return  with  aston- 
ished face  and  portentous  news.  The  dead  bodies  of  Natsume 
Kyuzo  and  Imaizumi  Jinzaemon  had  been  found  at  the  foot  of  the 
hake-icho,  a  huge  tree  close  by  the  guard-house.  Finger  tip  to 
finger  tip  three  men  could  not  girdle  this  tree.     With  the  bodies 


IN  THE  SHADOW  OF  THE  GO-INKYO  179 

of  the  men  lay  that  of  a  woman.  Two  corpses,  man  and  woman, 
were  stark  naked.  Kibei's  presence,  as  the  successor  to  Kwaiba^s 
office,  was  required. 

He  prepared  at  once  to  start  for  the  Okido.  The  tale  was 
in  time  learned  from  the  prolix  Kamimura  Goenion,  who  had  wit- 
nessed part  at  least  of  the  scene.  As  he  was  knocking  at  his 
door  on  the  Shinjuku  road,  having  just  returned  late  from  the 
watch  at  Kwaiba's  house,  rapid  steps  were  heard  in  the  street.  A 
man,  recognized  as  Kyuzo,  passed,  running  at  top  speed.  He 
dragged  along  by  the  hand  a  woman,  the  wife  of  Imaizumi.  The 
two  were  nearly  naked.  Close  in  the  rear  pursued  Imaizumi 
Jinzaemon,  his  drawn  sword  in  his  hand.  They  sped  up  the 
wide  road.  Goemon  stepped  out,  to  follow  at  a  distance  this 
flight  and  pursuit.  At  the  icho  tree  the  fugitives  were  overtaken. 
The  woman  was  the  first  to  be  cut  down.  Kyuzo  turned  to  grap- 
ple with  the  assailant.  Unarmed  his  fate  soon  overtook  him.  He 
fell  severed  from  shoulder  to  pap.  Having  finished  his  victims 
Imaizumi  seated  himself  at  the  foot  of  the  tree,  and  cut  open  his 
belly.  "  Long  had  such  outcome  been  expected,"  intoned  the 
long-nosed  man.  The  case  needed  no  explanation.  Others  echoed 
the  opinion  of  Goemon,  who  was  merely  many  fathoms  deeper  in 
the  scandal  of  the  neighbourhood  than  most  of  them.  It  was 
agreed  to  hush  the  matter  up.  Reporting  his  own  experience, 
to  the  astonishment  of  his  hearers,  Kibei,  accompanied  by  Kaku- 
suke,  started  down  Teramachi  toward  Samegabashi.  As  they 
passed  the  Gwanshoji  attention  was  drawn  by  a  pack  of  dogs, 
fighting  and  quarrelling  in  the  temple  cemetery.  A  white  object 
lay  in  the  midst.  With  a  shout  the  men  sprang  in.  Tearing  up 
a  grave  stick  Kibei  rushed  into  the  pack,  driving  off  the  animals. 
There  lay  the  body  of  Ito  Kwaiba,  brought  hither  by  the  hands 
of  OTwa  to  be  torn  and  mangled  by  the  teeth  of  the  brutes. 
Thus  was  it  that  the  funerals  of  Ito  Kwaiba,  Natsume  Kyuzd,  and 
Imaizumi  Jinzaemon  took  place  in  one  cortege  on  the  same  day 
and  at  the  same  time.  The  postponement  in  the  first  instance — 
was  it  providential? 


CHAPTER  XIX 

TAMIYA  YOEMON:  WITH  NEWS  OF  KONDO  ROKU- 
ROBEI  AND  MYOZEN  THE  PRIEST 

Tamiya  Yoemon  was  stumbling  home  in  all  haste  from  the 
funeral  of  Ito  Kwaiba.  He  was  full  of  news  for  the  wife, 
O'Kame.  The  neighbours  could  talk  of  nothing  but  the  strange 
happenings  in  the  ward,  and  details  lost  nothing  in  the  telling; 
perhaps  gained  somewhat  by  the  process.  Most  edifying  was 
the  reported  conduct  of  the  wife  of  the  late  Natsume  Kyuzo,  the 
observed  of  all  observers  at  the  funeral,  the  object  of  that  solici- 
tous congratulation  which  embodies  the  secret  sigh  of  relief  of 
friends,  neighbours,  and  relatives  at  the  removal  of  a  prospective 
burden.  Natsume  had  left  behind  him  a  wife,  an  old  mother,  an 
infant  child,  and  huge  liabilities.  To  administer  this  legacy — 
and  perhaps  to  get  rid  of  her  mother-in-law — the  wife  had 
promptly  and  tearfully  sacrificed  her  status,  and  sold  herself  for 
a  term  of  years  to  the  master  of  the  Sagamiya,  a  pleasure  house  at 
Shinagawa  post  town.  The  sum  paid — one  hundred  ryo — re- 
lieved the  immediate  future.  The  neighbours  derided  the  igno- 
rance of  the  Sagamiya  in  accepting  the  uncertain  bail  of  Akiyama 
Chozaemon.  If  the  lady  behaved  badly,  small  satisfaction  was  to 
be  obtained  of  her  security.  "  Ignorance  is  bliss."  Let  the  Saga- 
miya bask  in  both  and  the  beauty  of  the  prize.  Meanwhile  their 
concern  and  admiration  were  for  the  lady  destined  to  this  post 
town  of  the  crowded  Tokaido,  the  stopping  place  of  high  and  low, 
noble  and  riff-raff,  entering  Edo  town.  Of  the  inmates  of  the 
pleasure  quarters,  the  harlots  of  Shinagawa,  Shinjuku,  Itabashi, 
were  held  in  lowest  esteem. 

Arrived  at  his  door  Yoemon  stopped  short  in  surprise  and 
alarm.     To  his  loud  call  of  "Wife!    Wife!"  answer  there  was 
none.    Looking  within  he  could  barely  distinguish  objects  through 
180 


TAMIYA  YOfiMON  181 

the  thick  smoke  which  filled  the  house.  The  last  thing  the  Nip- 
ponese would  do  under  such  conditions,  would  be  to  throw  open 
doors  and  panels.  This  would  convert  the  place  at  once  to  a  blaz- 
ing conflagration.  Where  was  the  fire  getting  its  start  ?  Choking 
and  spluttering  Yoemon  groped  his  way  through  the  rooms  into 
the  rear.  Wherever  the  fire  was,  it  was  not  in  the  living  rooms. 
The  smoke  was  accentuated  on  reaching  the  kitchen.  H6re  was 
a  smell  of  burning  rice,  of  Yoemon's  dinner  gradually  carbonizing 
under  the  influence  of  an  element  other  than  the  juices  of  his 
round  stomach.  Looking  into  the  room,  through  the  thickened 
haze  he  saw  the  flame  of  the  fire  brightening.  O'Kame  the  wife 
could  be  made  out,  on  her  knees  before  the  portable  furnace. 
She  was  blowing  a  mass  of  slivers  and  brushwood  into  flame  by 
the  aid  of  a  bamboo  pipe.  It  was  this  stuff,  green  and  partly  wet, 
which  gave  out  the  choking  acrid  smoke.  Yoemon  was  angered 
beyond  measure  at  the  sight  of  his  ruined  meal  and  expectations. 
"  Kame  !  Kame  !  What  are  you  doing  ?  Have  you  gone  mad  ? 
Ma !  Ma !  The  dinner  is  being  ruined.  You  are  ill.  Kame's 
head  whirls  with  head-ache.  Yoemon  will  act  as  cook.  Go  to  bed 
— at  once."  At  his  peremptory  speech  the  wife  looked  up  into  the 
face  of  the  husband  standing  over  her.  She  scowled  at  him  in  a 
way  to  cause  fear.  "Not  a  sho  of  rice;  not  a  nion.  Yoemon 
would  give  freely  to  a  beggar,  rather  than  confer  a  '  cash  '  on 
Iwa.  Yoemon  sells  me  as  a  street  harlot."  He  started  back  in 
fright  before  the  snarling  distorted  visage.  The  wife  sprang  to 
her  feet.  Pash !  On  his  devoted  head  descended  the  hot  iron  pan 
with  its  content  of  stew.  "x\h  !  Kame  is  mad — clean  daft."  With  a 
wild  laugh  she  seized  the  pot  full  of  boiling  rice  and  began  to  pour 
it  into  the  drain.  When  he  tried  to  stop  her,  he  received  the 
mess  full  in  his  bosom — "  Mad  ?  Not  at  all.  This  Kame  never 
felt  in  better  spirits.  When  grass  grows  in  Samoncho  we  enter 
Nirvana.  Ha  !  Ha  !  Ha  !  To  hasten  the  happy  time  !  "  With  a 
kick  she  knocked  over  the  furnace.  In  an  instant  the  tatayni 
was  in  a  blaze.     Yelling  like  mad,   shouting  for  help,  Yoemon 


182  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

leaped  from  the  house.  O'Kame  seized  the  burning  brands  in 
her  bare  hands,  hurhng  them  into  this  room  and  into  that.  Out- 
stripping the  old  Yoemon,  the  younger  men  of  the  neighbours 
rushed  in.  The  mad  woman  was  soon  overcome  and  carried  from 
the  burning  building.  Nothing  else  was  saved.  They  took  her 
to  the  house  of  Akiyama  Chozaemon.  Here  she  was  tied  hand 
and  foot,  and  put  in  a  closet.  The  old  man  Yoemon  stood  by 
in  despair,  watching  the  progress  of  events.  Before  the  conflagra- 
tion was  extinguished  his  own  and  four  other  houses  were  de- 
stroyed.   He  was  a  ruined  man ;  responsible  for  all. 

Myozen  the  priest  had  just  set  foot  on  the  slope  leading  up 
from  Samegabashi  to  Yotsuya.  A  somewhat  long  retreat  at 
Myohonji,  attendance  at  the  ceremonies  held  on  the  Saint's 
(Nichiren)  birthday,  had  kept  him  in  ignorance  of  recent  events 
in  Yotsuya.  In  the  dawn  of  the  beautiful  day  of  earliest  3rd 
month  (our  April  13th)  he  had  set  out  from  Kamakura.  Sturdy 
as  were  the  priest's  limbs,  yet  he  was  a  little  tired.  He  rested  at 
the  foot  of  the  hill.  Then  his  eyes  grew  big  with  astonishment. 
In  the  waning  afternoon  a  funeral  came  wending  its  way  down- 
wards. But  such  a  funeral !  Two  spearmen  led  the  way.  Then 
came  a  long  train  of  attendants.  Three  catafalques  followed,  the 
first  a  most  imposing  bier.  Then  came  the  relatives.  Kibei  on 
horseback  headed  these.  The  women  rode  in  kago.  That  it  was  a 
ward  funeral  Myozen  had  no  doubt,  both  from  its  source  and 
make  up.  He  noted  a  parishioner  in  the  cortege.  "  Kamimura 
Uji!"  The  long-limbed,  long-faced,  long-tongued  man  left  the 
ranks  and  obsequiously  greeted  his  spiritual  father.  At  Myozen's 
question  he  expressed  gratified  surprise,  and  unlimbered  his  lingual 
member  at  once — "  Whose  honoured  funeral  this  ?  Nay !  It 
is  a  triple  funeral ;  that  of  Natsume  Kyuzo,  Imaizumi  Jinzaemon, 
the  Go-Inky5,  our  ward-head.  It  is  owing  to  this  latter  that  there 
is  such  an  outpouring  of  the  ward,  with  attendance  of  barrier 
guards  and  firemen.  Although  the  ending  of  Natsume  and  Jinzae- 
mon was  not  edifying,  that  of  our  honoured  once  head  gratified 


TAMIYA  YOfiMON  183 

still  more  the  public  curiosity.  Gnawed  and  eaten  by  the  rats 
he  died  most  horribly."  He  told  of  the  eventful  night.  "  Hence 
delay  in  the  burial.  The  deaths  of  Natsume  and  Imaizumi  were 
almost  coincident.  The  body  of  the  adulterous  woman,  rejected 
by  both  families,  was  cast  out  on  the  moor."  He  noted  with  satis- 
faction the  great  impression  his  tale  made  on  the  priest,  as  also  the 
clerical  garb  and  rosary  held  in  hand.  "  Pray  join  the  band.  A 
little  re-adjustment  .  .  ."  He  bent  down.  With  the  baton 
he  held  in  hand  as  leader  of  his  section  he  carefully  dusted  the 
robes.  Adjusting  the  folds  he  pronounced  the  results  as  most 
presentable.  "  The  honoured  Osho  is  ready  to  bury  or  be  buried." 
Myozen  took  this  remark  in  very  ill  form.  He  prepared  to  answer 
tartly,  but  curiosity  overcame  his  weariness  and  ill  temper.  The 
procession  was  moving  fast.  He  fell  at  once  into  line,  with  hardly 
an  acknowledgment  of  Kamimura's  courtesy,  as  this  latter 
hastened  forward  to  his  place. 

His  neighbour  in  the  procession  explained.  The  nature  of  the 
deaths  of  the  three  men  had  aroused  the  feeling  in  the  ward.  Their 
connection  with  a  conspiracy  against  O'lwa  San  was  now  gener- 
ally known.  Without  doubt  it  was  owing  to  her  vengeance  that 
they  had  died  as  they  did.  Let  them  lie  outside  the  quarter.  The 
protest  to  Kibei  was  respectful  but  emphatic.  A  newcomer,  he 
had  made  no  great  resistance.  It  was  determined  to  bury  them 
at  the  Denzu-In,  close  by  the  mound  of  the  nameless  dead  of 
Edo's  great  fire  of  more  than  half  a  century  before.  Hence  the 
direction  of  the  cortege.  As  the  cemetery  of  the  great  temple 
was  approached  the  curiosity  of  Myozen,  morbidly  growing  the 
while,  became  overpowering.  The  priest  slipped  from  rank  to 
rank.  At  the  grave  he  stood  in  the  very  front.  As  long-time 
friend  he  besought  a  last  glance  at  the  dead.  Those  given  to 
Natsume  and  Imaizumi  called  forth  a  careless  prayer  for  each. 
The  men  hesitated  before  raising  the  cover  concealing  the  body 
of  Kwaiba.  At  Myozen's  peremptory  gesture  they  complied.  He 
bent  over  and  looked  in.     Frozen  with  horror,  he  was  fascinated 


184  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

by  those  great  holes  for  eyes,  large  as  teacups,  which  seemed  to 
fix  him.  Dead  of  leprosy,  gnawed  and  torn  by  beasts,  the  face 
presented  a  sight  unforgettable.  The  holes  torn  in  the  flesh 
twisted  the  features  into  a  lifelike,  though  ghastly,  sardonic  grin, 
full  of  the  pains  of  the  hell  in  which  Kwaiba  had  suffered  and  now 
suffered.  A  stench  arose  from  the  box  which  made  the  hardened 
bearers  hold  their  noses  and  draw  away.  Yet  the  priest  bent  down 
all  the  closer.  In  his  corruption  the  lips  of  the  old  man  seemed  to 
move.  Did  Kwaiba  speak?  Closer  and  closer:  Myozen  seemed 
never  satisfied  with  this  inspection.  The  poise  and  brain  gave 
way.  Priest  and  corpse  met  in  the  horrible  salutation.  With 
exclamation  the  attendants  sprang  forward.  Mydzen  in  a  dead 
faint  was  carried  apart  and  laid  on  the  ground.  Some  priests  of 
the  hall  busied  themselves  over  him.  Somewhat  revived  he  was 
taken  off  to  the  residence  quarters  of  the  temple,  and  soon  was  able 
to  return  to  his  home.  "  Curious  fool."  Kibei  was  greatly 
angered.  He  was  easily  irritated  in  these  days.  The  delay  in  the 
rites  almost  maddened  him.  Would  old  Kwaiba — his  father  Ito 
Inkyo — never  be  got  out  of  men's  sight  ?    Out  of  Kibei's  sight  ? 

That  night  Mydzen  sat  alone  in  his  quarters.  Somewhat 
shaken,  he  was  ashamed  and  regretful  at  thought  of  his  unseemly 
curiosity  of  the  afternoon.  The  priests  of  Denzuin  had  regarded 
him  with  covert  amusement  and  repulsion.  He  had  noted  one 
passing  the  sleeve  of  his  robe  over  his  lips.  Myozen  explained 
the  incident  by  more  than  usual  weariness.  They  condoled  with 
him,  and  made  horrified  gestures  of  ill-disguised  glee  when  they 
thought  his  attention  was  elsewhere.  In  his  present  privacy  the 
scene  at  the  grave  came  back  to  mind  again  and  again.  "  Ah ! 
Ah!  If  this  Myozen  had  not  looked.  The  Inkyo's  face  was  ter- 
rible. Mydzen  cannot  put  it  from  mind."  He  glanced  at  the 
pages  of  the  sutra  lying  before  him.  He  turned  them  over.  He 
knew  they  spoke  of  the  horribleness  of  death ;  but  what  was  the 
cold  script  to  the  actuality?  It  was  no  use,  the  attempt  to  read. 
Kwaiba's  face  interposed.     "  Oh !     That  salute !     The  very  idea 


TAMIYA  YOfiMON  185 

of  that  terrible  salute,  the  contact  with  corruption !  "  He  was  as 
if  plunged  in  an  icy  bath.  He  started  nervously.  It  was  but  rain 
dashing  against  the  amado,  rattling  and  twisting  in  the  gale. 
He  could  not  sleep.  That  night  he  would  watch.  The  fire  was 
hot  in  the  hihachi  (brazier).  He  went  to  the  closet  to  get  some 
tea.  On  opening  it  he  sprang  back  with  a  shout  of  alarm,  to 
lean  trembling  and  quivering  in  every  limb  huddled  against  the 
wall.  "  Namu  Mydho  Renge  Kyo !  Namu  Myoho  Renge 
Kyo !  "  One  character  of  the  wondrous  formula  secured  pardon 
and  safety  to  the  believer  in  that  paradise  of  Amida  which  Myozen 
was  in  no  great  haste  to  visit.  Shivering  as  with  a  chill  intently 
he  watched  the  animal  as  it  glided  along  the  edge  of  the  room,  to 
disappear  into  the  shadows.  He  shrugged  his  shoulders  wearily. 
A  rat  had  frightened  him  almost  out  of  his  wits !  His  heart  beat 
tumultuously,  almost  to  sufifocation ;  then  it  seemed  to  cease  alto- 
gether; to  resume  its  wild  career. 

Hardly  was  he  again  seated,  his  hand  on  the  kettle — don — 
don,  don — don,  don,  don,  don.  Some  one  was  violently  knocking 
on  the  door.  Myozen  sprang  up.  Approaching  the  amado  with 
silent  step  he  eyed  the  bolts :  "  All  secure."  Snatching  up  a  stake 
close  by  he  jammed  it  in  between  floor  and  crosspiece.  Leaning 
heavily  on  the  panel  he  listened.  "  Myozen  Sama !  Osho  Sama ! 
Condescend  to  open ;  deign  to  give  entrance !  The  storm  nearly 
throws  one  to  the  ground.  News !  News  for  the  Osho !  A 
request  to  make !  "  Myozen  held  his  ground  against  this  outer 
temptation.  "  Who  are  you,  out  at  this  hour  of  the  night  and  in 
such  weather?  To-night  Myozen  does  not  open.  Go  away;  re- 
turn in  daylight." — "  But  the  honoured  Osho  Sama  is  needed. 
His  presence  is  requested.  Deign  to  open ;  at  least  to  hear  the 
message.  The  priest  aids  the  afflicted."  There  was  something 
in  the  voice  he  recognized,  despite  its  terror.  Regaining  some 
courage  he  parleyed.  The  priest  was  for  the  consolation  of  the 
unfortunate.  O'lwa  had  been,  was  unfortunate.  He  could  not 
open.     "  Who  are  you  ?    Unless  the  name  be  given  this  Myozen 


186  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

holds  no  further  talk.  To-night  he  is  unwell,  positively  ill.  Come 
at  dawn  and  Myozen  will  receive  you." — "Who?  Does  not 
the  voice  answer  for  the  person?  This  is  Tomobei,  from  the 
house  of  Kondo  Rokurobei.  Deign  to  open.  The  master  needs 
and  calls  for  the  aid  of  the  Osho  Sama. 

Voice  and  speech,  the  importance  of  Kondo  in  the  life  of 
Myozen,  broke  down  his  hesitation.  Slowly  he  removed  the  bars. 
Tomobei  entered,  dripping  with  wet.  He  cast  down  his  straw  coat 
at  the  entrance.  The  man's  eyes  and  manner  were  wild.  He  kept 
casting  frightened  looks  into  the  wild  welter  of  storm  outside. 
When  the  priest  would  withdraw  into  the  room  he  held  him 
by  the  skirt.  "  What  has  happened?  "  commanded  Myozen  briefly. 
Replied  Tomobei — "  A  terrible  thing !  To-day  the  master  was 
ready  to  attend  the  funeral  of  Ito  Inkyo.  The  wife  was  engaged 
in  putting  the  house  kimono  in  the  closet.  O'Tama  was  playing 
on  the  upper  roka.  She  is  but  seven  years  old.  Leaning  far  over 
to  see  her  father  leave,  she  lost  her  balance.  Down  she  fell,  to 
be  impaled  on  the  knife-like  points  of  the  shinohi-gaeshi.  The 
sharp-pointed  bamboo,  protection  against  thieves,  have  robbed  the 
Danna  of  his  greatest  treasure  (tama).  Deep  into  throat  and  chest 
ran  the  cruel  spikes,  to  appear  through  the  back.  The  sight  in- 
spired fear,  so  horrible  was  it.  He  could  but  call  out — '  Tomobei ! 
Tomobei ! '  All  effort  to  detach  the  child,  to  saw  off  the  points, 
did  but  make  matters  worse.  It  was  necessary  to  fetch  a  ladder. 
When  taken  down  she  was  dead.  Alas !  Alas !  The  Okusama  is 
nearly  crazed.     The  Danna  Sama  in  his  cruel  distress  does  but 

rage  through  the  house.    '  Myozen  Oshd,  he  loved  the  child.    Let 

Myozen  Osho  be  summoned  to  say  a  prayer  of  direction,  while 
yet  the  child  spirit  hovers  hereabouts.'  Such  is  the  cry  of  the 
Okusama.  Hence  the  presence  of  this  Tomobei.  Otherwise  he 
would  rather  be  scourged  at  the  white  sand  than  face  the  darkness 
in  which  O'lwa  San  wanders  abroad."  Man  and  priest  were 
weeping.     The  former  in  his  fright  and  over  the  confusion  and 


TAMIYA  YOEMON  187 

distress  fallen  on  the  household ;  the  priest  over  the  sudden  and 
dreadful  end  of  this  child  to  whom  the  homeless  one,  the  man 
devoted  to  the  solitary  life,  had  taken  an  unbounded  affection 
as  of  a  father.  Great  as  was  his  terror,  he  forgot  his  own  ills  in 
the  greater  misfortune  of  the  life-long  friend.  He  remained 
bowed  in  prayer.  "  Namu  Myoho  Renge  Kyo !  Namu  Myoho 
Renge  Kyo  !  Oh !  The  wondrous  law,  the  stitra  of  the  Lotus  !  " 
He  rose — "  Myozen  comes." 

As  they  struggled  through  the  storm,  Tomobei  kept  up  a  non- 
sensical, running  talk,  full  of  the  superstitious  fear  of  the  man  of 
the  lower  classes.  "  lya !  The  affair  has  been  terrible,  but  mis- 
fortune is  in  the  air.  .  .  .  What's  that !  Ah !  Something 
passes  by  .  .  .  above.  OTwa !  O'lwa !  "  He  seized  the 
priest's  arm  and  clung  to  him  in  terror.  Myozen's  fears  had  all 
returned.  He  would  have  run  away,  but  was  too  tightly  held. 
"  Where  !  Where  !  "  He  shrieked  and  whirled  around  toward 
Samegebashi.  Tomobei  held  on  tenaciously  to  his  skirts.  An 
object  was  bearing  down  on  them  in  the  dark.  Close  upon  priest 
and  man  they  jumped  to  one  side.  A  cold  hand  was  laid  on  the 
neck  of  the  cleric,  who  squawked  with  fear.  A  howl  answered 
the  howls  and  mad  cries  and  blows  of  the  two  men,  who  now 
threw  themselves  flat  on  the  ground  to  shut  out  sight  of  the 
apparition.  The  beast  sped  down  the  hill.  Discomfited,  Myozen 
disentangled  himself  from  the  embraces  of  a  broken  water  spout, 
which  descending  from  the  roof  under  which  he  had  taken  shelter, 
was  sending  its  cold  stream  down  his  neck.  Tomobei  rose  from 
the  mud  puddle  in  which  he  lay  face  downward.  They  gazed 
at  each  other.  "  A  dog !  A  wandering  cur !  "  Myozen  eyed  his 
once  immaculate  garments  with  disgust.  How  present  himself  in 
such  a  state !  Tomobei  read  his  thoughts  and  determined  to 
keep  a  companion  so  hardly  won.  "  There  are  present  but  the 
master  and  the  Okusama,  Tomobei,  and  Kiku ;  other  company 
there  is  none.  .  .  .  Yes;  the  Ojosan." — "The  corpse  needs 
no  company,"  said  Myozen  testily.     In  his  disgrace  and  unkempt 


188  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

condition  Myozen  was  unduly  irritated  at  his  child  friend.  The 
business  was  to  be  gone  through.  They  were  opposite  the  ceme- 
tery of  Sainenji,  on  its  western  side.  Said  Tomobei — "  A  paling 
is  loose.  There  is  no  need  to  descend  the  hill.  This  is  no  cheer- 
ful spot  at  this  hour.  Deign  to  sprint  it,  Osho  Sama.  In  the  time 
one  can  count  ten  the  entrance  at  the  rear  is  reached.  Deign  a 
spurt,  honoured  priest;  deign  to  sprint."  Myozen  felt  he  was  in 
for  everything  this  night.  With  Tomobei  he  tucked  up  his  robes  to 
his  hams,  as  if  entering  a  race.  Crawling  through  the  bamboo 
palings  into  the  haunt  of  the  dead,  at  it  they  went — a  mad  spurt 
across  to  Kondo's  house.  Tomobei  was  the  more  active.  He 
turned  to  watch  the  priest  tripping  over  hillocks  in  the  grass, 
knocking  into  gravestones  hidden  by  the  darkness.  So  near  home, 
courage  was  returning.  He  burst  into  laughter  at  sight  of  Myozen 
madly  hammering  a  battered  old  stone  lantern  of  the  yukimldoro 
style.  The  broad-brimmed  hat-like  object  he  belaboured  as  some- 
thing naturally  or  unnaturally  possessed  of  life,  all  the  while 
giving  utterance  to  anything  but  priestly  language.  Tomobei 
ventured  back  to  his  rescue.  Mydzen  was  quite  battered  and 
bleeding  as  the  two  rushed  into  Kondo's  house. 

The  master  was  expecting  them ;  but  he  threw  up  his  hands 
as  they  appeared  in  the  room.  "  Osho  Sama  !  Tomobei !  What 
are  you  about!  Why  rush  into  the  room,  clogs  still  on  the  feet? 
Deign  to  withdraw.  The  tatami  are  stained  and  streaked  with 
mud.  .  .  .  Water  for  the  feet  of  the  Osho  Sama  !  Tomobei, 
are  you  mad?  Out  with  you:  bring  water  to  clean  up  this  mess." 
In  confusion  the  priest  withdrew.  .  His  apologies  were  profuse  as 
he  reappeared — "  Alas !  Terrible  the  loss,  and  in  such  dreadful 
manner.  Kondo  Dono,  Okusama,  part  at  least  of  this  grief 
Myozen  would  take  on  himself.  Great  is  the  sorrow  at  this  end 
of  one  just  beginning  life."  The  wife  received  the  condolence 
of  the  priest  with  a  burst  of  weeping.  Then  she  turned  fiercely 
on  the  husband — "  It  is  all  the  fault  of  Rokurobei.  He  was  nakodo 
for  OTwa  San  in  the  marriage  with  lemon.    Turning  against  her. 


TAMIYA  YOfiMON  189 

he  took  O'Hana  into  the  house.  Did  she  not  spend  her  time 
in  idhng,  and  teaching  the  child  the  ways  of  her  questionable 
life — 'how  to  please  men,'  forsooth?  .  .  .  Ah!  Tama  did 
have  pretty  ways.  Though  but  of  seven  years,  she  danced,  and 
sang,  and  postured  as  would  a  girl  double  her  age.  Now  thus 
cruelly  she  has  perished."  Her  mind,  reverted  to  the  child, 
again  took  a  turn.  "  The  plot  against  OTwa — with  It5  Kwaiba, 
lemon,  Chozaemon — here  is  found  the  source  of  this  calamity. 
OTwa  in  dying  has  cursed  all  involved.  Now  'tis  the  turn  of 
Kondd  and  his  unfortunate  wife."  She  ended  in  another  out- 
burst of  tears,  her  head  on  the  mats  at  the  feet  of  the  priest. 
Rokurobei  was  tearing  up  and  down  the  room,  gesticulating  and 
almost  shouting — "  Yes  !  'Tis  she  !  'Tis  she  !  The  hateful  O'lwa 
strikes  the  father  through  the  child.  Ah !  It  was  a  cowardly  act  to 
visit  such  a  frightful  ending  on  one  budding  into  life.  OTwa  seeks 
revenge.  OTwa  is  abroad ;  and  yet  this  Kondo  cannot  meet  with 
her."  Myozen  was  almost  deafened  with  his  cries  and  noisy 
earnestness.  Truly  to  bring  peace  into  this  household,  with 
division  reigning  between  husband  and  wife  smitten  with  fear 
of  the  supernatural,  would  be  no  easy  matter.  His  priestly  ex- 
perience taught  him  the  safest  way  to  bring  about  his  object. 

"  'Tis  true ;  'tis  true.  But  loud  cries  avail  nothing.  The 
aid  of  the  Buddha  for  the  deceased  is  to  be  sought."  Apologeti- 
cally he  showed  something  of  his  condition  to  the  wife.  At  once 
she  rose.  Outergarments  were  removed.  Muddied  undergar- 
ments were  renewed.  Myozen  went  into  the  mortuary  chamber. 
The  little  **  Jewel  "  was  laid  out  as  in  sleep.  The  wounded  chest, 
the  torn  throat,  were  concealed  by  garments  and  a  scarf-like 
bandage  adjusted  by  a  mother's  sad  and  tender  care.  The  in- 
cense sticks  lay  in  clay  saucers  near  the  couch.  "  Oh,  the  won- 
derful Law !  The  sittra  of  the  Lotus !  Namu  Myoho  Renge 
Kyo !  Namu  Mydho  Renge  Kyo !  "  He  looked  long  at  the  little 
silent  figure.  His  eyes  were  full  of  tears  as  he  turned  and  took 
the  hands  of  the  weeping  mother  who  had  followed  him  into  the 


190  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

room.  Then  for  long  he  spoke  in  consoling  tones.  She  was  some- 
what quieted  when  they  returned. 

Kondo  Rokurobei  was  still  moving  restlessly  about  the  room. 
Now  he  was  here,  now  there ;  from  the  death  room  he  returned 
to  the  company;  from  them  he  passed  to  the  kitchen.  The  wife 
thought  of  the  friend  and  priest.  "  Tomobei,  go  to  the  store-room 
and  bring  wine."  Myozen  was  a  curious  mixture.  His  weak 
spot  was  touched — "  Deign  it,  honoured  lady,  for  all.  Let  the 
occasion  be  made  seemly,  but  more  cheerful.  Cause  not  sorrow  to 
the  dead  by  an  unmeasured  grief.  This  does  but  pain  the  Spirit 
in  its  forced  communion  with  the  living.  Death  perchance  is  not 
the  misfortune  of  subsequent  existence  in  this  world,  but  a  pas- 
sage to  the  paradise  of  Amida."  He  spoke  unctuously ;  as  one  full 
informed  and  longing  for  its  trial.  His  homily  had  no  eiifect  in 
moving  Tomobei,  who  was  flatly  unwilling  to  perform  the  service 
ordered.  "  The  wine  .  .  .,"  broke  in  Kondo  harshly. — "  The 
go-down  is  at  the  end  of  the  lot.  The  hour  is  very  late,  and  the 
storm  .  .  .  and  other  things  ...  it  rages  fiercely.  This 
Tomobei  .  .  ." — "  Shut  up !  "  roared  his  master,  with  easily 
roused  anger.  The  maid  O'Kiku  timidly  interposed — "  There  is  a 
supply  in  the  kitchen.  This  Kiku  early  brought  it  there,  antici- 
pating the  need.  Indeed  the  storm  is  terrible.  One  gets  wet  to 
the  bone  in  traversing  the  yard."  The  wife  caught  the  last  words 
— "  Aye !  Wet  and  chilled  the  lost  child  spirit  wanders,  ringing 
its  bell  and  vainly  seeking  aid  and  shelter ;  no  aid  at  hand  but  that 
of  the  heartless  hag  in  the  River  of  Souls."  ^  At  the  thought 
of  the  little  O'Tama  in  cold  and  storm  she  broke  down.  Crying 
bitterly,  she  crept  from  the  room  and  laid  down  beside  the  bier. 

The  wine  was  served.  Myozen  drank.  Then  he  drank  again. 
His  potations  gave  him  confidence — for  more  drink — and  recalled 

^  The  old  hag  who  lurks  in  the  River  of  Souls,  waylaying  little 
children,  robbing  them  of  their  clothes,  and  compelling  them  to  con- 
struct huge  piles  of  stones.  Her  counterfeit  presentment  (by  Unkei) 
can  be  well  seen  at  the  Ennoji  of  Kamakura. 


TAMIYA  YOfiMON  191 

him  to  his  functions.  "  Let  us  all  pray.  Namu  Myoho  Renge 
Kyo !  Namu  Myoho  Renge  Kyo!  Wonderful  the  Law!  Won- 
derful the  sutra  of  the  Lotus,  explanatory  of  the  Law  by  which 
mankind  are  saved,  to  enter  the  paradise  of  Amida.  Be  sure  the 
wanderings  of  O'Tama  will  be  short.  Scanty  is  the  power  of  the 
Shozuka  no  Baba.  Soon  shall  the  child  sit  upon  a  lotus.  Early 
shall  be  her  entrance  into  Nirvana.  Namu  Myoho  Renge  Kyo ! 
Namu  Myoho  Renge  Kyo !  .  .  .  Honoured  master,  let  all 
join  in.  Command  the  servants  to  join  in  the  recital  of  the 
Daimoku."  Kondo  waved  a  hand  at  Tomobei  and  O'Kiku,  in 
assent  and  command.  Vigorous  were  the  tones  of  all  in  the 
responses.  Myozen  drank  again.  He  pressed  the  wine  on  the 
others ;  drinking  in  turn  as  they  agreed.  The  night  was  passing. 
It  was  the  eighth  hour  (1-3  a.m.).  Said  he — "  Don't  get  drowsy. 
By  every  means  avoid  it.  Now  !  A  vigorous  prayer."  He  raised 
his  hand — "Namu  Myoho  Renge  Kyo!  Namu  Myoho  Renge 
Kyo  !  "  But  the  responses  were  flagging.  Said  Myozen — "  This 
will  never  do  ;  at  this  hour  of  the  night."  He  drank  again — to  find 
that  the  supply  had  come  to  an  end.  Kondo  was  nodding.  Tomo- 
bei, if  awake,  was  deaf  to  words.  Myozen  rose  himself  to  fetch 
a  new  supply. 

Kondo  pricked  up  his  ears.  The  temple  bells  were  booming 
the  hour  watch  in  solemn  unison.  The  rain  splashed  and  pattered 
on  the  amado.  A  rustling,  swishing  sound  was  heard,  close  by, 
in  the  next  room.  Now  it  was  as  if  a  hand  was  passing  along 
the  screen.  He  sprang  up,  drawn  sword  in  hand.  His  eyes  were 
riveted  on  the  shoji,  anticipating  an  appearance.  Then  he  laid  a 
violent  hand  on  the  interposing  obstacle  and  threw  it  back.  A 
tall  figure  robed  in  black,  with  broad  flat  face  and  bulging  brow, 
puffed  eyelids  in  which  were  sunken  little  dots  in  place  of  eyes, 
hair  in  wild  disorder  framing  the  dead  white  face,  stood  before 
him.  "  OTwa  !  OTwa  !  "  The  lamp  was  knocked  over,  but  not 
before  he  dealt  the  one  fierce  upward  blow.  Madly  he  sprang 
on  the  apparition  and  slashed  away  in  the  dark.     "  Kiya !  "    The 


192  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

cry  rang  loud.  Kond5  danced  with  joy,  calling  loudly  for  lights. 
"  O'lwa !  O'lwa  !  Kondo  has  slain  the  O'Bake,  the  enemy  of  his 
child!  Rejoice  with  Kondd  !  The  vendetta  is  accomplished !"  In 
the  darkness  and  confusion  a  groan  was  heard ;  then  another,  still 
fainter;  then  there  was  silence.  Tomobei  appeared  with  a  light. 
He  leaned  over  the  long  black  robed  body ;  to  raise  an  alarmed  face 
to  his  joyful  master.  "At  what  does  the  Danna  Sama  rejoice? 
What  has  he  done  ?  'Tis  Myozen  Sama,  the  Osho  Sama,  who  lies 
cut  down.  Dreadful  has  been  the  mistake  of  the  Danna  Sama. 
This  is  like  to  cost  the  House  dear." — "  Namu  Myoho  Renge  Kyo! 
Namu  My5ho  Renge  Kyo!  "  The  sword  had  slipped  from 
Kondo's  hand,  and  in  genuine  grief  he  knelt  beside  the  body  of 
the  unfortunate  priest,  seeking  for  some  sign  of  life.  Alas ! 
Myozen  had  almost  been  cut  in  two  by  the  upward  sweep  of  the 
sword.  From  liver  to  pap  was  one  gaping  wound.  He  lay  in  the 
pool  of  almost  all  the  blood  in  his  body.  Gathered  around  the 
corpse  the  four  people  eyed  each  other  with  terror. 

Don — don — don,  don,  don,  don.  They  sprang  up  in  a  hud- 
dled mass.  The  sound  was  at  their  very  shoulders.  "  Some  one 
knocks  at  the  back  door,"  said  Tomobei.  "  Go  open  it,"  com- 
manded Kondo.  Tomobei  flatly  refused,  and  without  respect, 
nay  with  insolence.  Kondo  picked  up  and  weighed  in  his  hand  the 
bloody  sword.  Why  mingle  vile  blood  with  good?  Instead  of 
cutting  the  man  down  he  went  himself  and  opened  the  half  door 
at  the  top.  A  woman,  dripping  with  water,  her  hair  in  wild 
disorder,  her  face  white  as  chalk,  stood  outside  in  the  storm. 
Kondo  gave  an  exclamation  of  surprise — "  O'Kame  of  Tamiya ! 
How  comes  O'Kame  here?  It  was  said  that  Yoemon  San  had 
shut  her  up,  as  one  gone  mad."  The  woman  smirked  with  satisfied 
air — "  Kondo  Rokurobei  is  seer  as  well  as  murderer.  This  Kame 
was  bound  and  imprisoned ;  nay,  almost  divorced.  Myozen,  just 
dead  at  Kondo's  hands,  to-morrow  was  to  pronounce  the  divorce. 
For  so  much,  thanks  to  Kondo  Dono.  But  O'Tama  has  died. 
Kame  would  condole  with  Kondo  San ;  burn  a  stick  of  incense  for 


TAMIYA  YOfiMON  193 

O'Tama.  Condescend  to  grant  entrance."  Said  Rokurobei  ab- 
ruptly— "  How  knows  O'Kame  of  the  death  of  Mydzen;  who  told 
her  of  the  fate  of  O'Tama?"  She  laughed  wildly — "Who? 
O'lwa;  O'lwa  is  the  friend  of  Kame.  It  was  she  who  loosed 
the  bonds.  'O'Tama  of  Kondo's  house  is  dead.  O'Kame  should 
condole  with  the  wife,  the  friend  of  this  Iwa.  Get  you  hence, 
for  Kondo  has  murdered  the  priest.'  .  .  ..So  here  we  are; 
O'lwa  accompanies  Kame.  Here  she  is."  She  waved  a  hand  into 
the  storm  and  darkness.  "  Deign  to  give  passage  to  the  chamber 
where  lies  O'Tama.  O'lwa  and  Kame  would  burn  incense  to  the 
darling's  memory,  to  the  little  Jewel."  With  a  roar  Kondo  seized 
the  breast  of  her  robe — "  Vile  old  trot,  off  with  you !  "  He  gave 
her  a  violent  push  which  sent  her  on  her  buttocks.  The  woman 
remained  seated  in  the  mud,  laughing  noisily.  She  held  out  two 
skinny  arms  to  him.    With  a  slam  he  shut  the  door. 

He  knelt  by  the  priest's  body,  truly  grieved — "  Ah !  O'lwa 
is  abroad.  How  has  this  mad  woman  knowledge  of  this  deed? 
What  was  the  offence  of  Myozen  thus  to  deserve  the  hatred  of 
Tamiya  O'lwa?"  O'Kame  had  seen  the  priest  enter,  had  stood 
in  the  wet  listening  to  the  wild  talk  of  Kondo,  had  seen  the  bloody 
sword  in  his  hand.  Her  mad  brain  had  put  riot  and  death  to- 
gether. The  talk  as  to  O'Tama  she  had  overheard  from  her  closet. 
Kondo  thought  of  neither  explanation.  He  was  at  odds  with 
Akiyima,  and  had  sent  no  message  to  his  house.  As  he  speculated 
and  thought  how  best  to  compound  matters  with  the  temple,  now 
grieved  at  the  rash  blow  fallen  on  a  friend,  now  aghast  at  the 
certain  and  heavy  indemnification  which  would  be  exacted  by  the 
enraged  clerics,  an  uproar  arose  outside.  There  were  wild  cries 
and  a  scream  of  pain.  Then  came  a  loud  triumphant  shout — 
"  Heads  out !  Heads  out !  O'lwa  is  slain  !  This  Akiyama  has 
killed  the  O'Bake.  The  incubus  of  the  ward  is  lifted.  Help !  " 
Kond5  sprang  up  and  out  of  the  house.  Were  the  words  true  ? 
Had  another  succeeded  where  he  had  failed?  His  lantern,  the 
lanterns  of  many  others,  threw  light  on  the  place  where  Akiyama 
13 


194  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Chozaemon  bravely  stood  ward  over  the  prostrate  body  of  the 
apparition.  Returning  late  from  Shitamachi  he  had  entered  the 
ward  with  shrinking  terror.  As  he  skulked  along,  with  eyes  on 
every  dark  corner,  the  figure  of  a  woman  was  seen  close  by  the 
eaves  of  the  house  of  Kondo  Rokurobei.  As  he  approached  she 
came  forward  laughing  wildly  the  while.  The  light  of  his  lantern 
fell  on  the  ghastly  white  face,  the  disordered  hair.  In  a  spasm  of 
fright  he  dropped  the  lantern  and  delivered  his  blow  in  drawing 
the  sword.  The  cut  was  almost  identical  with  the  one  delivered 
to  Myozen  the  priest.  The  men  there  gathered  looked  into  each 
other's  faces,  then  at  the  body  of  O'Kame  lying  in  their  midst. 
The  crowd  parted,  and  Tamiya  Yoemon  appeared.  Kondo  Roku- 
robei and  Akiyama  Chozaemon  stood  by  with  bloody  swords,  their 
own  skins  without  a  scratch.    They  were  self-accused. 

The  upshot  of  the  affair  was  ruin  for  all.  Matters  in  Yotsuya 
were  coming  to  the  official  ears.  Yoemon  was  forced  to  make 
charges  against  Akiyama;  the  more  willingly  as  therein  lay  a 
chance  to  recoup  his  own  losses  through  the  wife  he  intended  to 
divorce  on  the  morrow.  Kondo  easily  cleared  his  skirts  of  this 
offence,  but  was  involved  with  the  irate  temple  priests.  All  were 
entangled  in  the  heavy  costs  of  the  law^  of  those  days.  Of  these 
three  men  something  is  to  be  said  later. 


CHAPTER  XX 


KIBEI   DONO 


KiBEi  was  in  great  straits,  financial  and  domestic.  The  death 
of  Kwaiba  had  brought  him  anything  but  freedom.  In  Nippon  the 
headship  of  a  House  is  much  more  than  the  simple  heirship  of  our 
western  law.  Relieved  of  his  obligation  in  office  the  old  man's 
hands  were  wide  open  to  shower  benefice  or  caprice  on  the  most 
worthless.  Endorsement  for  cash  and  goods  to  Natsume,  Imai- 
zumi,  and  Kamimura ;  donations  to  the  temples  of  Teremachi  and 
the  Yotsuyazaka;  favours  in  every  direction  except  that  of  Aki- 
yama  Chozaemon.  in  the  pursuit  of  whom  Kwaiba  found  much 
amusement ;  all  these  items  added  to  the  very  free  living  in  his 
household  had  pledged  deeply  the  ample  revenue  of  two  hundred 
and  thirty  taivara,  and  would  have  upheld  the  samurai  trait  of 
not  knowing  the  value  of  money — if  Kwaiba  had  been  of  that 
kind.  Between  Kwaiba  and  Kibei,  the  wild  debauchery  of  the  last 
year  had  brought  the  House  to  the  verge  of  ruin.  Kibei  was 
aghast.  Long  since  he  had  become  deeply  involved  with  the 
Kashiku  Tamagiku  of  the  Yamadaya  in  Edomachi  Itchome  of  the 
Yoshiwara.  The  ugly  fellow  was  madly  in  love  with  the  beauty. 
On  her  he  had  poured  out  the  treasures  of  the  Ito  House  during 
the  six  months  which  preceded  the  illness  of  Kwaiba.  During  his 
prolonged  absence  from  her  the  letters  of  the  Kashiku  had  inun- 
dated the  writing  table  of  Kibei.  Had  he  deserted  her?  Was 
all  affection  gone?  Where  now  were  the  promises  of  ransom,  the 
blood-sealed  vow  to  become  husband  and  wife,  to  assume  the  rela- 
tion which  endures  for  two  worlds  ?  Kibei  sullenly  read  these 
lines;  cursing  Kwaiba  and  cursing  himself.  Ransom!  With 
strict  living  for  the  next  five  years  Jic  might  set  matters  straight 
and  free  the  Tayu ;  and  any  day  slie  might  be  bought  bv  some 

195 


196  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

rich  country  samurai  or  goshi  (gentleman  farmer),  or  be  carried 
off  to  ornament  the  bcsso  of  some  hatamofo.  Kibei  wiped  the  bit- 
ter saliva  from  his  lips.^ 

The  domestic  difficulties  were  accompaniment  to  these  more 
important  matters.  In  the  large  mansion  Kibei  was  now  alone. 
The  tenth  day  had  witnessed  the  flight  of  the  last  of  the  servants. 
The  women  had  departed  with  the  funeral,  through  fear,  sacrific- 
ing wages  and  even  such  clothing  as  could  not  surreptitiously 
be  removed.  What  woman — or  man — could  remain  in  a  house 
which  was  the  nightly  scene  of  such  fearful  sounds  of  combat. 
Shrieks,  wails,  groans,  came  from  the  quarters  once  occupied 
by  the  dead  Kwaiba.  As  to  this  there  was  no  difference  of  opin- 
ion. The  more  venturesome  had  been  favoured  with  actual  sight 
of  the  scenes  enacted.  They  had  seen  the  old  man  as  he  was  in 
death,  pursued  from  room  to  room  by  two  frightful  hags,  as 
gaunt,  blear,  sightless  as  himself.  Dreadful  were  the  cries  of  the 
dead  man  as  the  harpies  fastened  upon  him,  descending  from  above 
like  two  huge  bats.  These  scenes  took  place  usually  at  the  eighth 
hour  (i  A.M.),  not  to  cease  until  dawn.  As  for  the  men  ser- 
vants, they  took  their  leave  in  the  days  following,  asking  forma! 
dismissal  (itoma)  with  recommendation  to  another  House.  They 
scented  the  approaching  ruin  of  their  present  employer. 

One  day  Kakusuke  presented  himself.  Kibei  looked  up.  He 
understood  at  once  that  the  man  had  come  in  his  turn  to  take 
leave.  Kakusuke  alone  had  remained  with  him.  He  was  chilgen, 
stable  boy,  cook,  maid ;  and  did  the  work  of  all  four  without  com- 
plaint. The  change  in  his  master  was  too  marked.  Kibei,  in  his 
turn,  had  become  irritable,  timorous  as  a  girl,  subject  to  out- 
breaks of  almost  insane  rage.  To  Kakusuke  the  young  man 
seemed  to  have  lost  all  nerve.  Kakusuke  wanted  to  serve  a  man. 
As  long  as  the  Wakadono  gave  promise  of  redemption,  of  rising 
above  his  difficulties  and  emerging  into  a  splendid  career  in  which 

^  An  ordinary  disposition  of  these  women;  who  often  preferred 
their  Edo  lover  to  such  lot. 


KIBEI  DONO  197 

Kakusuke  could  take  pride,  the  chugen  was  ready  to  take  the 
bitter  with  the  sweet.  To  be  maid  servant  and  keeper  of  a  man 
half  mad  had  no  attraction  for  this  blunt-nerved  fellow.  He  spoke 
plainly — "  The  Wakadono  should  deign  to  throw  up  the  whole 
connection.  Under  the  present  conditions  the  ruin  of  the  House 
is  unavoidable.  Condescend  to  return  to  the  original  House  in 
Honjo  Yokogawa.  This  course  will  be  best.  At  least  the  Waka- 
dono secures  his  own  salvation.  This  is  the  advice  of  Kakusuke, 
grown  old  in  experience  of  service  in  a  samurai  household.  In 
naught  else  is  there  hope.  As  to  himself,  would  the  Wakadono 
condescend  to  grant  dismissal."  Long  had  been  the  intimacy  be- 
tween ltd  Kwaiba  and  Inagaki  Shogen.  Kakusuke,  the  messenger 
between  the  two  Houses,  had  watched  this  Fukutaro  (Kibei) 
grow  to  manhood,  had  noted  his  prowess.  It  w^as  with  delight 
he  had  carried  the  documents  which  were  to  bring  this  new  and 
vigorous  blood  into  the  home  of  his  decadent  master.  This  was 
the  result.     "  A  pest  on  these  witches — and  their  craft !  " 

Kibei  heard  him  out  with  growing  anger.  As  the  man's  words 
gathered  vigour  and  plain  spokenness  his  hand  wandered  to  his 
sword.  He  had  a  mind  to  cut  him  down  then  and  there  for  his 
freedom  of  speech.  More  than  half  induced  to  recognize  the  truth 
of  the  indictment  his  better  feeling  halted  him.  With  harsh 
and  sardonic  tone  he  gave  unbelieving  thanks  for  the  implied 
reproof  of  the  chugen.  The  service  of  Kakusuke  had  been  faith- 
ful beyond  measure.  It  should  have  its  proper  reward.  If  others 
had  chosen  to  depart  as  do  those  who  run  away,  they  had  shown 
ignorance  of  this  Kibei.  From  a  drawer  of  the  desk  he  took  out 
a  letter  already  prepared,  a  roll  containing  wages.  He  pushed 
the  zen  toward  Kaktisuke.  This  readiness,  as  if  foreseen,  hit  the 
man  hard.  Respectfully  he  pressed  the  letter  to  his  forehead, 
bowing  with  extended  hands  on  the  tatami;  the  money  he  did  not 
touch.  Finally  he  raised  a  timid  questioning  glance  to  his  one- 
time master.  Said  Kibei  jeeringly — "  Kakusuke  has  given  his 
advice.     Is  it  part  of  his  long  experience  that  a  servant  should 


198  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

question  the  wages  placed  under  his  nose  ?  Off  with  you  !  This 
Kibei  would  be  alone;  most  willingly  so."'  At  the  peremptory 
threatening  gesture  Kakusuke  no  longer  hesitated.  He  had  no 
inclination  to  be  a  victim  of  one  of  the  mad  outbreaks  of  the 
young  man.  Taking  the  roll  humbly  he  backed  out  of  the  room. 
His  steps  were  heard  a  few  minutes  later  passing  the  entrance. 
Then  the  outer  gate  shut  to  with  a  clang. 

For  a  long  watch  Kibei  sat  in  meditation.  He  was  as  one  who 
sleeps.  Then  he  rose  with  decision.  "  'Tis  the  last  chance.  Kaku- 
suke is  right.  The  matter  is  to  be  brought  to  an  end."  Dressing 
for  the  street  he  left  the  house.  He  opened  the  big  gate  ;  then  went 
to  the  stable,  and  saddled  and  bridled  his  horse.  He  led  it  outside, 
closed  the  gate,  and  mounting  he  rode  forth,  to  go  to  Hon  jo 
Yokogawa  and  the  yashiki  of  his  father,  Inagaki  Shogen.  Coming 
unaccompanied  he  was  received  with  surprise  and  some  discomfi- 
ture,' as  he  was  quick  to  note.  He  was  very  cpiick  to  note  things 
in  these  days.  Prostrating  himself  before  his  mother — "  Kibei 
presents  himself.  Honoured  mother,  deign  to  pardon  the  intru- 
sion. Fukotaro  would  solicit  her  pity  and  influence."  The  lady 
looked  at  him  with  amazement.  "  Fukutaro!  What  then  of 
Kibei?  Is  some  jest  deigned  at  the  mother's  expense?  It  is  in 
very  bad  taste.  .  .  .  But  the  face  of  Kibei  implies  no  jest. 
Pray  put  the  matter  plainly.  Why  does  her  son  come  in  petition 
to  the  mother  ?  "  Began  Kibei — "  The  matter  is  most  serious 
.  .  ."  He  went  into  the  full  details ;  from  the  time  of  his  en- 
trance into  the  ltd  House,  through  the  cpurse  of  dissipation  and 
illness  of  Kwaiba,  down  to  the  present  ruined  state  of  affairs. 
"  All  this  is  due  to  the  curse  of  OTwa  San,  to  this  plot  in  which 
Kibei  foolishly  engaged."  Of  this  he  now  fully  felt  the  force. 
The  events  of  the  past  weeks  had  wrecked  him  in  mind  and  body. 
One  disaster  after  another,  in  house  and  ward,  had  been  visited 
on  Kibei.  The  bitterness  and  dislike  of  the  people  toward  Kwaiba 
was  visited  on  his  representative,  who  was  held  responsible.  In 
his  great  mansion  he  lived  alone.     No  servant  would  enter  it  to 


KIBEI  DONO  199 

attend  to  his  wants.  Was  he  to  cook  and  be  valet  for  himself — 
and  pose  as  the  Kumi-gashira;  the  great  chief  of  the  ward !  The 
position  was  an  impossible  one.  Deign  to  use  a  mother's  influence 
with  Inagaki  Dono.  "  Condescend  to  secure  permission  for  the 
return  of  this  Kibei  to  his  original  House,  for  the  cancellation  of 
the  adoption." 

The  wife  of  Shogen  sat  frightened ;  at  the  tale,  and  at  this 
radical  way  of  finding  an  exit  from  the  situation.  The  mother's 
heart  was  full  of  pity  for  the  distracted  son,  whose  haggard  looks 
showed  the  strain  of  the  past  weeks.  Besides  she  was  a  woman, 
and  as  such  fully  believed  in  and  feared  the  curse  of  this  dead 
O'lwa,  one  who  had  died  without  funeral  rites  or  prayer.  "  For- 
tunately the  honoured  father  now  is  on  the  night  watch  at  the 
castle.  He  is  at  home,  drinking  his  wine.  His  humour  is  ex- 
cellent.. Wait  but  a  moment."  Leaving  Kibei  she  went  to  the 
room  of  Shogen's  light  indulgence.  The  severe  and  conscientious 
nobleman  was  bending  under  the  genial  influence  of  the  sake. 
"  Kibei  ?  He  comes  in  good  season.  The  heir  of  Kwaiba  Inkyo 
has  not  favoured  his  real  father  of  late.  Ah !  The  boy  was  well 
placed.  Kwaiba  soon  made  way  for  him ;  and  none  too  willingly, 
one  can  believe."  He  chuckled.  Then  noting  his  wife's  troubled 
looks.  "  But  there  is  something  to  tell." — "  So  indeed;  none  too 
pleasant."  She  went  into  the  story  Kibei  had  told  her.  "  His 
fear  of  O'lwa  San  is  deadly.  The  House  is  ruined,  with  no  profit 
in  the  connection.  Deign  to  permit  the  cancellation  of  the  adop- 
tion, his  return  to  the  House  of  his  true  parent."  She  stopped 
before  the  stern  astonished  look  of  the  husband.  Said  he  harshly 
— "  Let  him  come  up.  Shogen  answers  Kibei  Dono  in  person. 
.  .  .  Heigh !  Up  here  with  you !  For  Ito  Dono  there  is 
wine  .  ..."  Kibei  entered  joyfully  at  his  father's  call.  Suc- 
cess was  in  his  hands.  Once  more  he  was  to  marshal  his  father's 
retainers  and  accompany  him  to  the  castle ;  once  more  be  the 
habitue  of  the  fencing  rooms.  "Honoured  father,  fear  enters: 
for  long  this  Kibei  has  not  ventured  into  your  presence." — "  And 


200  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

need  not  for  long  again,"  thundered  the  old  man.  "  What  stufif 
is  this  for  the  ears  of  Shogen  ?  Kibei  would  sever  his  connection 
with  the  Ito  House.  Kibei  is  afraid  of  a  ghost!  He  fears  a  girl! 
A  samurai  wearing  two  swords  shrinks  from  an  encounter  with 
a  woman !  Has  Shogen  no  obligation  toward  his  old  friend 
Kwaiba  ?  In  more  serious  matters  and  in  life  Shogen  would  share 
Kwaiba's  lot.  Back  with  you  to  the  house  in  Yotsuya!  If  this 
matter  become  known,  both  Kibei  and  Shogen  will  be  the  laughing 
stocks  of  Edo.  At  least  keep  such  fears  to  yourself.  Off  with 
you !  Shogen  had  wine  for  Ito  Dono.  For  the  fellow  who  would 
call  himself — Fukutaro,  he  has  none."  With  a  kick  he  sent  rolling 
the  zen  (table)  with  its  burden  of  bottles  and  heating  apparatus. 
In  a  rage  he  left  the  room. 

Kibei's  face  was  white  as  he  raised  it  from  the  tatami.  "  Father 
has  no  experience  of  ghosts;  he  speaks  at  random  and  in  anger. 
Terrible  is  the  actuality."  Said  the  mother,  slowly  and  pain- 
fully— "  He  is  the  father ;  he  is  to  be  obeyed."  Kibei  was  sitting 
upright.  He  nodded  grave  assent.  Then  suddenly  he  pros- 
trated himself  ceremoniously  before  the  sJioji  through  which 
Shogen  had  disappeared.  He  repeated  the  salutation  before  his 
mother.  Then  he  rose — "  Ito  Kibei  takes  leave.  May  good  health 
and  fortune  visit  those  of  this  House."  At  his  exit  the  mother 
rejoiced.  Severe  had  been  the  father's  words,  but  they  had 
brought  the  boy  to  reason.  She  wept  and  trembled  at  the  reproof. 
Men  had  best  knowledge  of  such  affairs.  She  would  pray  at 
Reiganji,  and  have  memorial  service  held  for  the  peace  of  this 
OTwa  in  the  next  world.  Then  the  curse  would  not  rest  upon 
her  son. 

On  his  appearance  at  the  house  entrance  an  ashigaru  (foot 
soldier)  led  up  the  horse.  Kibei  waved  him  away. — "  For  the 
present  keep  the  animal  in  charge.  With  matters  to  attend  to 
close  at  hand  Kibei  will  use  other  conveyance."  The  man  took 
the  animal  away.  Leaving  the  gate  of  the  yashiki  Kibei  walked 
the  short  distance  to  the  Hoonji  bridge.    Here  was  a  kago  (litter) 


KIBEI  DONO  201 

stand.  "  To  Yamadaya  in  Yoshiwara."  As  the  kago  men  went 
off  at  a  trot — "  Kibei  has  played  and  lost.  How  does  the  account 
yonder  stand?  Seventy  ryo  owed  at  the  Matsuminato-ya.  For 
the  rest,  this  Kibei  can  claim  a  night's  attendance  from  the 
kashiku.  If  affection  would  not  grant  it,  the  huge  sums  bestowed 
in  the  past  have  a  claim  upon  her.  Then  to  end  matters  and  die 
like  a  samurai.  To-morrow  Kibei  cuts  belly."  It  was  the  debt 
which  sent  him  direct  to  the  Yamadaya,  and  not  first  to  the  tea 
house.  Sitting  over  the  wine  all  effort  of  the  Kashiku  to  enliven 
him  failed.  Noting  her  discomfiture  he  smiled  gloomily. 
Then  in  explanation — "  The  thoughts  of  Kibei  go  astray. 
The  House  is  ruined.  Ransom  is  impossible.  This  is  the 
last  meeting.  To-morrow  Kibei  cuts  belly,  and  dies  like  a 
samurai."  At  first  the  girl  thought  he  was  joking.  Then 
noting  the  wild  look  of  despair  in  his  eyes,  she  was  frightened. 
Partly  in  disbelief ;  partly  seeking  to  postpone  this  desperate 
resolve,  to  turn  his  thoughts  and  gain  time  for  reflection ;  partly 
in  that  sentimental  mood  which  at  times  affects  this  class  of 
women — "  Is  Kibei  truly  ruined  ?  Lamentable  the  fate  of  Tama- 
giku.  Why  not  join  him  in  death?  But  the  idea  is  too  new. 
Deign  to  postpone  the  execution  for  a  space.  To-night  shall  be 
a  night  of  pleasure  with  the  Kashiku  Tamagiku.  With  the  mor- 
row's darkness  she  dies  with  Kibei.  Hand  in  hand  they  will 
wander  the  paths  of  Amida's  paradise."  She  came  close  to  him 
in  service  of  the  wine ;  put  her  arms  about  him,  and  drew  him 
to  her  bosom;  in  every  way  cajoled  and  sought  to  comfort  him, 
and  corrupt  his  purpose.  Consent  was  easy.  The  night  was  passed 
in  love  and  wine.    In  the  morning  he  left  her. 

Kibei  was  making  his  final  preparations ;  writing  directions 
which  would  benefit  as  far  as  possible  the  House  in  Honjo  at  the 
expense  of  that  in  Yotsuya.  In  the  Yoshiwara  a  very  different 
scene  was  taking  place.  With  his  departure  the  Kashiku  sprang 
up.  Hastily  throwing  a  robe  around  her  person  she  sought  the 
room  of  the  yarite — the  bawd  of  the  house.    "  The  Kashiku  !    At 


202  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

this  hour — what  has  happened?" — "Something  of  importance. 
This  night  Tama  dies  with  Kibei  Dono.  The  compact  is  closed, 
hard  and  firm."  The  astonished  bawd  had  been  rubbing  the  sleep 
out  of  her  eyes.  The  last  words  brought  her  full  awake — "  Is 
the  Kashiku  drunk  with  wine  ?  Is  she  mad?  Truly  it  would  seem 
so.  And  the  bail?  What  is  to  become  of  the  unfortunate?  True 
it  is  Toemon  of  Honjo;  and  he  has  trouble  enough  already.  He 
will  never  leave  his  prison."  Tamagiku  made  a  gesture  of  im- 
patience— "  This  Tama  has  acted  but  to  gain  time.  Can  she  have 
affection  for  such  an  ugly  fellow?  Was  she  to  be  the  victim  of 
some  crazy  outburst  ?  Perhaps  the  day  will  bring  better  counsel ; 
but  the  night's  conversation  does  not  augur  it.  His  plans  are  most 
complete.  The  master  must  be'  seen.  Deign  to  mediate ;  prevent 
the  admittance  of  Kibei  Dono  as  guest."  O'Kayo  the  bawd  nodded 
intelligence  and  assent.  At  once  she  sought  the  master  of  the 
house.  "  A  dangerous  guest,"  was  his  comment.  "  Send  to  the 
Matsuminatoya.  They  must  be  warned.  We  can  look  after 
ourselves."  As  an  attendant  of  the  tea  house  presented  himself — 
"  And  the  master,  Teisuke  San  !  " — "  Is  absent;  this  Tosuke  repre- 
sents him.  He  has  gone  to  Edo.  Perhaps  the  house  will  deign  to 
look  at  a  new  inmate.  A  true  Tayu !  The  daughter  of  Akiyama 
San  of  Yotsuya  sacrifices  her  caste.  But  sixteen  years,  she  is  a 
jewel.  Less  than  a  hundred  ryo  will  buy  her.  He  is  in  great  diffi- 
culties." Tosuke  spoke  with  enthusiasm.  The  master  of  the 
Yamadaya  answered  promptly  and  with  emphasis — "  Accepted : 
let  her  be  on  hand  in  the  course  of  the  day.  But  Tosuke,  there 
is  another  matter.  Kibei  Dono  no  longer  can  be  accepted  as  a 
guest."  He  went  into  details.  Tosuke  drew  a  long  breath.  "  A 
dangerous  fellow !  The  Danna  Sama  never  liked  his  presence. 
But  he  owes  the  house  much  money ;  seventy  ryo." — "  That  is 
your  affair,"  coldly  replied  the  master  of  the  Yamadaya.  "  This 
house  answers  not  for  the  accounts  of  the  tea-house.  Previous 
notice  has  been  given.  Kibei  Dono  cannot  be  received  as  guest." 
— "  That  is  not  to  be  denied.     He  is  most  undesirable.     But  the 


KIBEI  DONO  203 

seventy  ryo!  And  the  week's  settlement  to  make  with  this 
house? "'  The  Yamadaya  had  an  idea — "  It  rarely  passes  a  hun- 
dred ryo.  .  .  .  Five  years  is  accepted?  Then  take  thirty 
ryo  and  deliver  this  girl  to  the  Yamadaya.  ...  A  true  Tayu  ? 
If  so  the  debt  of  Kibei  finds  payment."    Tosuke  agreed  with  joy. 

At  night  the  kago  man  set  Kibei  down  before  the  Matsumina- 
toya.  Teisuke,  the  tcislifi  (host),  regarded  his  arrival  with  mixed 
feelings.  His  coming  meant  something.  Giving  up  his  two 
swords,  and  once  seated,  Kibei 's  first  act  was  to  give  thanks  for 
past  services.  Calling  for  his  account  he  produced  the  seventy 
ryo  in  its  settlement.  Prompt  and  profound  were  the  humble 
thanks  of  the  house  for  this  unexpected  liquidation.  Kibei  had 
secured  the  money  by  the  transfer  of  obligations  of  Akiyama 
Chozaemon  to  the  usurer  Suzuki  Sanjuro.  Three  hundred  and 
fifty  ryo  immediately  due  against  seventy  ryo  in  cash  satisfied 
even  this  shark.  Teisuke  was  impressed.  How  deny  such  a 
guest  ?  He  would  get  rid  of  him,  and  profit  both  ways.  Yamadaya 
now  would  promptly  pay  the  additional  seventy  ryo  due  on  the 
girl  with  whom  they  were  so  delighted.  He  had  paid  fifty  ryo 
for  her.  At  Kibei's  call  his  order  was  prompt.  "  Tosuke,  accom- 
pany Kjbei  Dono  to  the  Yamadaya."  Kibei's  calm  and  collected 
manner  reassured  him.    This  man  did  not  contemplate  suicide. 

With  the  appearance  of  Tosuke  and  Kibei  at  the  Yamadaya 
there  was  a  flutter.  The  Banto  Matsuzo  respectfully  came  for- 
ward. As  Kibei  came  up  to  the  roka  and  shook  off  his  gcta  he 
interposed.  "  Deign  to  wait.  Kibei  Dono.  Matters  have  changed 
since  morning.  The  Kashiku  is  very  ill.  She  can  see  no  one. 
Condescend  to  come  another  time.  For  one  ill  in  body  pleasure 
is  no  pastime.  Pray  consider  ;  grant  excuse  for  this  one  occasion." 
Kibei  was  surprised.  He  had  left  her  perfectly  well  in  the  morn- 
ing. Something  in  the  hanto's  face,  in  the  massed  position  of  the 
men  standing  by,  apprised  him  of  the  truth.  He  was  enraged 
at  the  lie  and  the  insult.  "  111  ?  That  is  very  strange,  when  so  well 
at  morning.     But  it  is  immaterial.     Kibei  goes  to  the  room." — 


204  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

"Impossible,"  was  the  firm  reply  of  the  banto.  "The  Kashiku 
lies  isolated  from  all.  It  is  the  order  of  the  physician.  Even 
those  in  the  rooms  around  her  have  been  ordered  out.  Pray  for- 
bear." But  Kibei  was  obstinate — "  Then  a  glass  of  wine  at  her 
bedside;  Kibei  has  matters  to  impart."  The  banto  stuck  to  his 
post — "  Wine !  Amid  the  smell  of  drugs,  the  unseemly  vessels  of 
the  sick  room !  Such  could  not  be  permitted."  Kibei  stretched 
out  an  arm.  The  banto  went  flying  a  dozen  feet.  Kibei  made  a 
leap  toward  the  stairway.  But  the  bawd  O'Kayo  interposed  her 
vinegary  presence.  She  was  brave;  having  the  support  of  great 
numbers,  of  the  whole  household.  "  What  rudeness  !  How  incon- 
siderate your  way  of  acting !  You  behave  in  very  bad  taste ;  with 
the  roughness  of  an  ashigaru  (foot  soldier).  The  Yamadaya 
does  not  entertain  such  miserable  scamps.  The  Tayu  is  ill.  This 
Kayo  says  it.  Get  you  hence — to  some  coolie  house.  Return 
the  day  before  yesterday."  -  Kibei  gave  a  yell — "  Yai !  You  old 
bitch !  The  whole  affair  is  plain  to  Kibei.  Out  of  money,  his 
presence  is  no  longer  desired.  Ah !  Kibei  will  have  vengeance." 
Without  arms,  before  the  sullen  determination  of  these  plebeians, 
he  felt  his  helplessness.  An  unseemly  brawl,  in  which  he  would 
be  worsted,  must  not  be  entered  on.  He  must  leave.  In  a. tower- 
ing rage  he  strode  back  to  the. tea-house.  Tosuke  tried  to  keep 
pace  with  him. 

Said  Teisuke  in  feigned  astonishment — "  Kibei  Dono !  What 
has  happened?"  Kobei  did  but  stutter  and  fume.  The  teishu 
turned  to  Tosuke.  This  latter  made  answer  for  his  charge — "  At 
the  Yamadaya  they  were  very  rude.  Admittance  was  refused  to 
Kibei  Dono.  The  bawd  O'Kayo  told  him  to  come  back  day  be- 
fore yesterday  !  " — "  Very  rude  indeed !  Were  such  things  said  ? 
It  is  unpardonable.    An  explanation  must  be  had  with  the  house. 

'Ototoi  oidc:  It  is  the  salutation  of  the  good  Buddhist  to  the  cap- 
tured insect,  thrown  without  and  requested  to  return  "  the  day  before 
yesterday  "  :^  the  Greek  Kalends.  As  used  above  it  is  a  gross  insult 
to  the  person  addressed. 


KIBEI  DONO  205 

Danna  Sama,  for  to-night  deign  to  leave  this  matter  to  Teisuke. 
Ample  satisfaction  shall  be  had  for  the  outrage."  Teisuke  threw 
up  his  hands  as  with  uncontrollable  anger.  Kibei  paid  no  atten- 
tion, but  demanded  his  swords.  Outwardly  he  had  regained  his 
self-control.  The  maid  O'Moto  looked  with  ditifidence  at  her 
mistress.  The  woman  was  accustomed  to  such  scenes.  At  her  sign 
the  girl  brought  the  weapons,  carefully  wrapped  up.  She  placed 
them  before  Kibei.  Unrolling  the  cover  he  put  them  on.  With 
scanty  salutation  he  strode  off.  Teisuke  watched  him^ — -"  It  would 
be  wise  for  the  Yamadaya  to  close  early  to-night,  to  take  in  their 
lanterns ;  nay,  even  to  board  up  the  front  and  take  refuge  in  the 
store-house."  Tdsuke  was  in  no  hurry  to  face  Matsuzo,  the 
banto  of  Yamadaya.  Continued  the  easy  old  fellow — "  Well,  'tis 
their  affair.  They  are  as  good  judges  as  Teisuke ;  and  they  could 
have  been  more  civil  in  refusal.  At  all  events  the  house  has  seventy 
ryo,  and  Kibei  Dono  is  sober.  He  will  cut  belly  before  dawn ; 
and  perhaps  nothing  will  happen  hereabouts."  The  old  pimp  went 
off  to  his  inner  room ;  to  sit  down  before  his  wine  about  the  same 
time  that  Kibei  did  the  same  in  a  cook  shop  opposite  the  great  gate 
of  Yoshiwara.  Here  he  idled,  barely  touched  his  drink,  and 
passed  the  time  in  bantering  the  maid  servant.  He  was  in  a  riotous 
humour.  He  would  take  her  to  wife — and  sell  her  the  next  morn- 
ing. "As  they  do  yonder."  But  OT<[iyo  was  not  of  that  kind. 
"  There  is  a  lover?  " — "  Of  course  !  "  In  admitting  it  she  blushed, 
somewhat  offended  at  hint  of  suspicion  that  such  was  lacking. 
Jibed  Kibei — "  He  will  do  the  same.  Better  to  be  the  wife  of  a 
samurai;  even  for  an  hour."  In  the  end  he  frightened  the  girl  a 
good  deal,  so  boisterous  was  he.  She  had  gone  out  to  buy  him  a 
deep  hat.  With  relief  she  saw  him  put  it  on  and  set  forth  into 
the  darkness  and  the  rain. 

The  eighth  hour  (i  a.m.)  was  nearly  ready  to  strike.  The 
pleasure  quarter  was  silent.  Passersby  were  few.  The  occasional 
shuffling  sound  of  sori  (sandals)  could  be  heard  behind  the  closed 
amado.     Kibei  smiled  cynically  as  he  recognized  this  mark  of  re- 


206  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

volting  passage  from  one  room  to  another.  In  doubt  he  stood 
before  the  gate  of  the  Yamadaya.  How  break  in  and  kill  them  all  ? 
If  Kibei  had  his  way  the  Kashiku  would  keep  her  word.  Just  then 
a  noise  of  voices  was  heard  within,  the  falling  of  the  bar.  Several 
belated  guests  came  forth.  They  were  in  the  charge  of  O'Moto, 
the  maid  of  the  Matsuminatoya.  Affectionate  were  the  leave- 
takings  with  the  quondam  wives.  "  Condescend  an  early  visit. 
This  Haya  lives  but  in  the  thought  of  Mosuke." — "  Bunzaemon 
San,  be  faithful  to  this  Hana.  In  his  absence  she  is  always  ill. 
She  receives  no  one."  At  this  there  was  a  roar  of  laughter  from 
the  others  of  the  company.  Bunzaemon  answered,  with  re- 
proaches. Kibei  followed  behind.  This  fellow  was  somewhat 
lamed.  He  lagged  behind.  Kibei  pulled  his  sleeve.  Bunzaemon, 
the  cit,  turned  in  surprise  and  fear  at  sight  of  the  samurai  in 
his  deep  hat.  Said  Kibei — "  Don't  be  afraid.  Bunzaemon  San 
has  forgotten  pipe,  or  purse,  or  something.  He  must  go  back 
to  the  Yamadaya."  At  the  fellow's  groping  in  his  garments  and 
failure  to  understand  he  grew  impatient.  "  A  friend  lies  at  the 
Yamadaya.  It  is  late,  and  they  will  not  open  at  an  unknown 
voice.  Entrance  somehow  must  be  had.  Deign  to  lend  your 
aid."  At  last  the  fellow  comprehended — "O'Moto- San!  A  mo- 
ment: my  pipe  .  .  ." — "  Oya  !  The  Danna  Sama  has  forgotten 
his  pipe?"  The  girl  went  back  the  short  distance  to  the  gate. 
She  knocked  and  called.  With  sleepy  tones  the  voice  of  Matsuzo 
the  banto  was  heard.  The  bar  fell.  The  girl  turned  to  look  down 
the  street  toward  her  guests.  She  looked  right  into  the  face  of 
Kibei.  Dropping  her  lantern,  with  a  smothered  scream  she  fled. 
Matsu,  the  banto,  looked  with  horror  at  the  man  before  him. 
As  Kibei  threw  off  his  hat  he  turned  to  flee.  Tripping,  he  fell. 
Kibei  drew  him  back  by  the  leg.  A  blow  cut  him  through  the 
shoulder.  As  he  rose  staggering  a  second  vicious  side  swing 
sent  the  severed  head  to  the  ground.  The  gateman  took  the 
chance.  Fleeing  to  the  recesses  of  the  kitchen,  he  swarmed  up 
a  post  and  hid  himself  among  the  rafters  of  the  roof,  amid  the 


KIBEI  DONO  •  207 

darkness  of  their  shadows.  Kibci  turned  back  and  carefully 
barred  the  gate.  With  the  key  at  the  girdle  of  Matsuzo  he  locked 
the  bar  chain.    All  was  now  ready  for  his  visitation  and  search. 

On  the  floor  above  they  had  a  drunken  guest  in  hand,  trying 
to  get  him  to  depart.  A  ban  to  and  several  women  formed  the 
committee  of  expulsion.  "Ah!  Money  gone,  one's  welcome  is 
quickly  worn  out  in  this  hell.  But  Jusuke  does  not  budge.  He 
fears  not  the  whole  pack  of  foxes.  .  .  .  Thanks :  deep  the 
obligation  of  this  Jusuke,  extending  to  the  next  life."  A  woman 
had  picked  up  and  restored  his  purse.  "The  bill  is  paid?  An 
early  start  Tokaido  way?  Ah,  true  !  Jusuke  had  forgotten."  He 
was  now  all  compliments  and  thanks.  Then  in  a  rage — "  Oh  !  The 
huzzy!  What  is  Jusuke's  purse  worth  with  nothing  in  it?  Who 
has  robbed  the  purse  of  Jusuke?"  He  was  madly  fumbling  his 
tobacco  pouch.  A  woman  put  his  hand  on  the  missing  object  in  the 
folds  of  his  girdle.  He  was  mollified.  As  they  moved  to  the 
head  of  the  stairs — "  Take  care  !  Jusuke  San,  don't  fall !  Banto 
San,  deign  to  aid  the  guest."  Refusing  all  help  the  man  lurched 
half  way  down  the  flight.  Then  he  stopped,  staring  and  looking 
before  him.  At  the  foot  stood  Kibei,  bloody  sword  in  hand. 
"  Down  with  this  Jusuke  ?  But  Jusuke  cannot  down.  A  fool 
blocks  the  way.  .  .  .  Fool,  you  block  the  way  of  Jusuke." — 
"  Out  of  the  road,  drunkard  !  "  The  words  of  Kibei  came  between 
his  teeth,  half  growl,  half  snarl.  The  man  obstinately  held  his 
own.  When  Kibei  would  push  past  him — "  Beast !  "  He  struck 
the  samurai.  Kibei  whirled  the  sword.  The  head  rolled  to  the 
bottom  of  the  steps.    The  blood  bathed  Kibei  from  head  to  foot. 

His  appearance  was  horrible.  The  women  fled  in  all  direc- 
tions. The  banto  covered  their  retreat.  "  Kibei  Dono !  Pray  be 
reasonable.  Control  yourself !  "  Kibei  made  a  step  toward  the 
women's  rooms.  The  banto  was  dreadfully  frightened,  yet  bravely 
he  interposed  to  save  them.  He  shouted  for  aid ;  below  and  to  the 
neighbours.  Kibei  reached  him.  A  blow  and  he  fell  severed. 
Kibei  gave  a  howl  of  joy.    O'Kayo  the  bawd  came  out  to  ascertain 


208  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

the  cause  of  the  brawl.  She  turned  livid  with  fear  on  recog- 
nizing Kibei.  They  were  standing  together  in  the  sort  of  entresol 
or  room  at  the  head  of  the  stairway.  Only  a  large  brazier  separated 
Kibei  from  his  vengeance.  Its  massiveness  of  three  or  four  feet 
breadth  baffled  him.  The  woman  was  fleeing  for  life.  As  he 
strove  to  get  within  striking  distance  fear  gave  her  wings.  From 
one  side  to  another  she  leaped  and  dodged.  Kibei  was  hampered. 
He  had  to  cut  her  off  from  stair  and  roka.  As  he  hesitated  she 
discharged  the  iron  kettle  at  his  head.  One  implement  followed 
another.  In  hurling  the  iron  tripod  ashes  entered  her  eyes.  At 
once  Kibei  leaped  to  close  quarters.  The  first  sword  blow  she 
dodged.  As  Kibei  recovered  she  sprang  by  him  and  over  the 
hibachi,  seeking  the  safety  of  the  stairs  now  open  to  her.  Her 
night-dress  caught  on  the  handle  of  the  brazier  and  brought  her 
to  the  ground.  Next  moment  she  was  severed  from  shoulder 
to  midriff. 

Methodically  Kibei  began  his  examination  of  the  rooms.  To 
most  of  the  inmates  this  uproar  was  a  mere  quarrel  in  the  house, 
the  cause  of  which  they  neither  knew  nor  cared  to  know.  The 
first  search  was  at  the  room  of  the  Kashiku,  close  to  that  of 
O'Kayo  the  bawd.  Her  reception  room  was  dark.  Here  the 
Kashiku's  bed  usually  was  prepared.  The  inner  room,  her  dress- 
ing room,  showed  the  dim  light  of  an  andon.  Noting  her  absence 
from  the  usual  place  a  hasty  stride  brought  him  to  the  shoji.  As 
he  violently  shoved  them  apart  a  man  rose  from  the  bed  in  the 
room.  A  mere  glance  showed  that  this  was  no  lover.  As  Kibei 
with  drawn  sword  stood  over  him,  he  squatted  on  his  hams,  crouch- 
ing and  begging  for  life.  To  Kibei's  astonishment  he  called  him 
by  name — "  Deign,  honoured  Sir,  to  spare  this  Chobei.  Be  assured 
the  Kashiku  is  not  in  this  place.  She  lies  to-night  with  the  Danna 
of  the  house.  Deign  to  seek  her  in  his  company."  He  pointed 
vaguely  as  he  spoke,  to  give  direction.  Kibei  laughed  ferociously. 
From  this  source  these  directions  were  atrocious.  He  lowered 
the  weapon- — "  Chobei !    At  this  place  and  t*ime !    Well  met,  good 


KIBEI  DONO  209 

Sir.  Kibei  is  doubly  grateful  for  what  he  has  learned.  Chobei 
and  Kibei  are  fellows  in  fortune.  Willingly  Kibei  leaves  him  to 
O'lwa  San  and  her  mercies."  His  attentive  gaze  never  wan- 
dered from  the  face  of  the  one-time  pimp.  With  a  gesture  of 
horror  he  rushed  from  the  room.  In  fright  Chdbei  rolled  his 
head  up  in  the  coverlet,  to  keep  out  the  vision  evoked. 

He  continued  his  search — "  Is  it  my  little  black  fellow  ?  " 
Such  the  greeting  of  one  woman  aroused  from  sleep.  Trembling 
she  rose  at  sight  of  Kibei.  Harshly  told  to  lie  down,  she  gladly 
obeyed.  Her  quivering  limbs  already  were  nearly  yielding  as  he 
spoke.  In  but  one  place  did  he  encounter  opposition.  Pushing 
open  the  shoji  of  the  merest  closet  of  a  room  he  came  upon  a 
girl  whose  face  somehow  was  familiar.  She  was  a  mere  slip  of 
a  creature  to  be  called  a  woman.  The  undeveloped  hips,  the  yet 
immature  bosom,  aroused  his  astonishment  at  finding  her  in  such 
a  place  as  inmate ;  that  is,  until  the  pure  oval  and  beauty  of  the  face 
caught  his  glance.  As  he  entered  she  sprang  up  in  alarm.  Just 
roused  from  sleep  she  hardly  knew  where  she  was — "  Father ! 
Father  !  A  man  !  A  man  is  in  the  room  !  Help  !  "  Kibei  pushed 
her  back  on  the  bed.  With  his  bloody  sword  he  rolled  over  the 
bed-clothes.  Then  he  made  a  move  to  get  at  the  closet  behind. 
Perhaps  mistaking  his  action  the  girl  sprang  upon  him.  Kibei  was 
startled  at  her  mad  energy.  When  he  thrust  her  down  she  seized 
his  hand  in  her  teeth,  sinking  them  deep  into  it.  Pain  and  impa- 
tience— after  all  he  was  pressed  for  time — overcame  him.  Un- 
able otherwise  to  shake  her  ofif  he  thrust  the  point  of  the  sword 
into  her  throat  and  gave  a  vigorous  downward  push.  Coughing 
up  great  clouts  of  blood,  the  girl  sank  back,  dying  on  the  futon. 
As  he  left  the  room  remembrance  came  to  Kibei's  mind.  He  had 
seen  her  in  Yotsuya.  More  than  once  O'Tsuru  had  served  him 
tea  in  the  house  of  her  father,  Chozaemon.  How  came  she  in  this 
vile  den?  He  took  a  step  back  to  aid  her  if  he  could.  She  was 
stone  dead. 
14 


210  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

The  Tayu  Nishikiyama  ^  now  knew  the  cause  of  the 
disturbance.  To  the  frightened  page  (kamuro)  who  came 
running  to  her — "  Be  quiet  child.  This  is  no  time  to  lose 
self-control.  Aid  me  in  preparation.  She  dressed  herself 
with  the  greatest  care ;  "  all  in  white,  as  befitted  a  lady 
in  attendance  on  a  nobleman."  Then  she  took  down  her 
koto  and  struck  the  opening  bars  of  an  old  and  famous  song — 
the  "Jinmujo"  (Inexhaustible  Happiness) — said  to  have  been 
sung  by  the  famous  Shizuka  Gozen  when  she  danced  the  Horaku, 
or  sacred  dance,  before  the  Shogun  Yoriitomo  at  Kamakura  Hachi- 
mangu.  As  Kibei  turned  into  the  corridor  the  voice  of  the  Oiran 
caught  his  ear  as  she  sang  in  accompaniment  to  the  instrument. 
She  was  bending  over  the  koto  as  the  shoji  were  flung  apart. 
Kibei,  his  hair  hanging  in  disorder  and  framing  a  face  ghastly 
white  in  contrast  to  the  red  streaks  splashed  over  it  and  his  gar- 
ments, stood  transfixed  at  the  entrance.  The  Tayu  looked  up. 
With  calm  pose  and  courteous  salute — "  Kibei  Dono,  what  man- 
ner of  acting  is  this !  Is  not  Kibei  Dono  the  bushif  Truly  mad- 
ness has  seized  you,  honoured  Sir.  This  is  Nishikiyama.  .  .  . 
Deign  to  be  seated.  'Tis  Nishikiyama  who  serves  Kibei  Dono. 
What  has  been  done  cannot  be  undone.  The  last  cup  of  wine  in 
life  is  to  be  drained.    Deign  to  accept  it  from  these  humble  hands." 

Kibei  continued  gazing  on  her.  The  unhappy  man,  his  mind 
was  opened  to  a  flood  of  light.  The  hurricane  of  passion  was  pass- 
ing. Slowly  he  advanced  into  the  room.  "  Truly  the  Go  Tayu  is 
right.  Kibei  has  gone  mad ;  mad  indeed  !  "  He  sank  down  on  the 
cushion  before  her.  At  a  sign  the  page  placed  the  stand  containing 
the  bottle  of  cold  sake  before  the  lady.  Skilfully  the  slender 
hands  held  it,  gracefully  poured  it  for  the  man  doomed  to  death, 
taking  this  final  cup  served  by  her.  Kibei  raised  it,  drained  it  to 
the  last  drop.  "  The  Kashiku  :  she  is  on  this  lower  floor.  Where 
lies  she?"     Nashikiyama  noted  the  wild  light  returning  to  his 

^Damask  hill:  the  names  taken  by  these  great  hetairai  were  most 
fanciful. 


KIBEI  BONO  211 

eyes.  She  bowed  her  head  before  him — "  The  life  of  Nishiki- 
yama  is  at  the  command  of  Kibei  Dono.  Her  Hps  are  sealed. 
Honoured  Sir,  how  answer  Kibei  Dono's  question  ?  "  For  the 
moment  he  looked  down.  Then  he  rose — "  Whose  daughter  can 
the  Oiran  be !  Truly  no  lady  in  the  land  could  show  a  higher 
courage,  a  finer  courtesy.  The  final  salute  of  this  Kibei  in  life  is 
to  the  Go  Tayu."  In  grave  ceremony  it  was  performed.  As  he 
left  the  room  the  woman  buried  her  face  in  her  hands,  weeping 
bitterly.  In  wonder  and  gratitude  the  frightened  page  extended 
her  hands,  her  face  hidden  in  the  white  robes  of  the  Go  Tayu. 

Kibei  trod  this  lower  corridor  with  sombre  tread.  He  would 
cut  belly  at  the  garden  pond.  With  some  surprise  he  noted  an 
amado  open  at  the  end  of  the  roka.  Voices  were  heard.  Standing 
at  the  opening  he  saw  lanterns.  Some  frenzied  women  had  raised 
a  ladder  to  the  garden  wall.  They  would  thus  escape,  but  the 
knife-like  bamboo  stakes  prevented.  Said  a  voice  outside,  and 
close  to  him — "  The  key  to  the  gate :  here  it  is."  The  Kashiku 
at  a  run  passed  by  him.  Kibei  gave  a  shout.  The  frightened 
woman  turned,  recognized  him,  then  sped  on.  In  a  few  steps 
he  was  on  her.  The  raised  sword  descended  as  she  fell  on  her 
knees  before  him,  in  attempt  to  swerve  its  course.  Through 
wrist  and  collar-bone,  from  neck  to  navel,  the  keen  blade  passed. 
Kibei  threw  the  weapon  aside.  He  leaned  over  her,  his  dagger 
drawn.  Then  he  rose,  holding  by  its  tresses  the  head.  For  a 
moment  he  gazed  on  it.  Slowly  he  walked  to  the  pond  in  the  centre 
of  the  garden.  Carefully  he  washed  the  bloody  trophy  and  placed 
it  on  the  curbing.  Confronting  it  he  made  reverential  salutation. 
"  Kibei  keeps  his  promise  to  the  Kashiku.  With  Tamagiku  he 
treads  the  gloomy  paths  of  Shideyama.  Honoured  lady — a  mo- 
ment and  Kibei  follows."  Seated  before  the  head  reposing  on 
the  curb  he  opened  his  clothes.  Thrusting  the  bloody  dagger  deep 
into  his  left  side  he  slowly  drew  it  across  the  belly ;  then  made  the 
upward  cut.  The  body  fell  forward.  Kibei  indeed  had  kept 
his  word. 


CHAPTER  XXI 

MATTERS  ECCLESIASTICAL 

Inagaki  Shogen  received  the  news  at  dawn,  just  as  he  was 
leaving  the  castle  on  completion  of  his  night  watch.  The  old 
knight  smiled  gravely,  thanked  the  bearer  of  the  message,  and  re- 
warded him  with  lavish  hand.  The  kago  bearers  jolted  on.  The 
news  had  reached  the  train,  and  chugcn  and  spearman  exchanged 
whispers.  On  arrival  at  the  Inagaki  yoshiki  his  lordship  made 
no  motion  to  descend.  The  chamberlain  raising  the  curtain  gave 
a  cry  of  horror.  The  old  man  lay  stretched  at  the  bottom  of  the 
little  chamber.  The  dagger  and  the  pool  of  blood  told  the  tale. 
Shogen  had  followed  the  example  of  his  son.  He,  too.  now  trod 
the  paths  of  Shideyama. 

With  laggard  tottering  step  Akiyama  Chozaemon  entered  his 
house.  Regardless  of  wife  and  the  cushion  she  offered,  of  the 
hardly  repressed  tear  in  her  salutation,  he  cast  himself  full  length 
on  the  mats.  He  buried  his  face  in  his  arms.  The  groans  which 
issued  from  the  prostrate  body  frightened  the  woman.  "  The 
honoured  return;  has  other  misfortune  fallen  on  the  House?"  A 
shrug  of  the  shoulders,  a  shiver;  then  the  man  half  rose  and  faced 
her.  She  was  startled  at  his  expression.  He  was  facing  the  most 
dreadful,  not  mere  thought  of  ruin  to  him  and  his — "  Suzuki  San 
is  liar  and  thief.  Fifty  ryo  in  hand  the  promise  was  for  ab- 
stention. Now  he  demands  twenty  ryo  more — the  interest  on  the 
debt  in  full."  His  voice  rose  to  a  harsh  scream.  He  laughed 
despairingly.  "  Seventy-five  ryo  interest,  for  the  loan  of  a  month ; 
and  that  loan  forced  on  this  Chozaemon  by  Ito  Kwaiba !  Kibei 
has  sc[uandered  everything.  The  loan  comes  back  on  the  bail.  If 
Suzuki  holds  the  interest  in  hand,  he  allows  the  principal,  three 
hundred  and  fifty  ryo,  to  stand  for  the  month.  Unless  he  has  the 
212 


MATTERS  ECCLESIASTICAL  213 

lacking  twenty-five  ryo  by  the  fourth  hour  (9  a.m.)  to-morrow, 
complaint  is  laid  at  the  office.  As  usual  the  interest  is  written 
into  the  face  of  the  bond.  The  end  is  certain.  This  Chozaemon 
must  cut  belly  or  suffer  degradation  (kaieki)."  He  looked  her 
over  critically.  The  light  of  hope  died  out  of  his  eyes — "  Ah !  If 
this  Tsuyu  could  but  be  sold,  the  money  would  be  in  hand.  But 
she  is  old  and  ugly.  Pfaugh !  .  .  .  "  How  he  hated  her  at 
this  moment.  Some  half  a  dozen  years  older  than  Chozaemon  the 
marriage  had  been  arranged  by  the  parents  on  truly  financial  prin- 
ciples. Mizoguchi  Hampei  was  rich,  and  reputed  stingy  and  sav- 
ing. Just  recently  he  had  fallen  into  the  Edogawa  as  he  returned 
home  late  one  night.  Drunk  and  surfeited  with  the  foul  waters 
of  the  stream  they  had  fished  him  out  stone  dead.  Then  it  was 
learned  that  the  old  fellow  of  sixty  odd  years  had  several  con- 
cubines, of  the  kind  to  eat  into  house  and  fortune.  The  reversion 
of  the  pension,  of  course,  went  to  the  House.  In  all  these  years 
Chozaemon  had  never  received  the  dower  of  O'Tsuyu ;  nor  dared 
to  press  the  rich  man  for  it,  too  generous  to  his  daughter  to 
quarrel  with.  The  funds  eagerly  looked  for  by  Chozaemon  were 
found  to  be  non  est  uwentus.  Probably,  if  alive,  Mizoguchi  would 
have  argued  that  the  dower  had  been  paid  in  instalments.  In  his 
grave  difficulties  Akiyama  could  find  no  aid  in  his.  wife.  She 
mourned  her  uselessness — "  Willingly  would  Tsuyu  come  to  the 
aid  of  House  and  husband,  join  her  daughter  in  the  bitter  service. 
But  past  forty  years.  .  .  .  'Tis  useless  to  think  of  it.  Per- 
haps some  expedient  will  come  to  mind."  She  brought  out  the 
arm  rest  and  placed  it  near  his  side.  Then  she  sat  apart  watching 
him.  From  time  to  time  was  heard  the  tap  of  her  pipe  as  she 
knocked  out  the  ashes.  At  last,  overcome  by  sleep  and  seeing  no 
sign  of  movement  on  the  husband's  part,  she  went  off  to  bed,  ex- 
pecting that  he  would  soon  follow. 

She  woke  with  a  start — "  Father !  Father !"  The  voice  of 
O'Tsuru  rang  sharply  in  her  ears.  Dazed  she  half  rose  and  looked 
around  her.     The  daylight  streamed  through  the  closed  amado. 


214  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

She  had  been  dreaming.  With  surprise  she  noted  her  husband's 
absence.  Had  he  gone  forth?  The  cries  of  a  bean  curd  seller 
were  heard  without — "  Tofu!  Tofu!  The  best  of  tofu!"  The 
palatable,  cheap,  and  nutritious  food  was  a  standard  meal  in  this 
house  as  in  many  others  of  Nippon.  Akiyama  was  most  generous  in 
indulgence  of  his  passions  for  gambling,  wine,  and  the  women  of 
Shinjuku ;  and  his  household  with  equal  generosity  were  indulged 
in  an  economical  regimen  of  tofu.  The  wife  rose  to  answer  the  call 
of  the  street  huckster.  Her  surprise  increased  as  she  found  every 
means  of  exit  bolted  and  barred,  as  during  the  night.  The  open 
sliding  window  in  the  kitchen  roof  caught  her  eye.  Surely  he  had 
not  departed  that  way !  As  she  opened  the  back  door  a  murmur 
of  voices,  as  in  the  roadway  or  close  by,  struck  her  ear.  The  tofu 
seller  had  his  head  turned  away  looking  upward.  At  her  call  he 
turned  quickly  with  apology — "  Good  day,  honoured  lady.  A 
strange  event !  Ah !  The  honoured  household  still  sleeps.  All  is 
silent.  .  .  .  Strange  indeed !  A  man  has  hung  himself  on 
the  big  oak  tree  in  the  temple  ground.  Deign  to  look."  He  pointed 
to  the  big  tree  close  by  in  the  grounds  of  the  Myogydji."^  Sure 
enough :  forty  feet  from  the  ground  dangled  the  body  of  a  man. 
It  swayed  gently  to  and  fro  in  harmony  with  the  movement  of 
the  branches.  A  hand  seemed  to  grasp  the  heart  of  Tsuyu.  The 
branches  of  the  tree  reached  far  over  their  roof.  The  open  hiki- 
mado!  With  feeble  voice  she  said — ''  My  husband  ;  he  is  strangely 
absent.  Deign,  somebody,  to  climb  up  and  find  out  whether  this 
man  is — of  the  ward."  The  startled  tofu  seller  hastened  to  get 
aid.  Several  men  entered  the  garden,  quickly  mounted  to  the  roof, 
and  thus  reached  the  tree.  Said  the  topmost  fellow — "  Ma !  Ma ! 
It  is  no  pretty  sight.  He  makes  a  hideous  spectacle.  The  face  is 
black  as  a  rice  boiler.  The  eyes  stand  out  as  if  ready  to  burst. 
The  tongue  hangs  out  like  a  true  guard  {hyotan).    The  grin  on 

*  Next  to  the  Ten-6  Jinja;  not  that  of  Samegabashi.  To-day  retired, 
neat  and  clean ;  without  the  dirty  publicity  of  larger  temples.  It  is  a  bit  of 
country  in  crowded  Yotsuya. 


MATTERS  ECCLESIASTICAL  215 

the  distended  mouth  is  not  nice  to  see.  Ah !  The  rascal  has  used 
the  merest  cord  to  cut  himself  off.  And  he  has  nearly  done  so. 
The  head  is  almost  severed."  He  gave  a  shout — "  Naruhodo ! 
Why,  its  .  .  ."  One  close  by  silenced  him.  The  men  above 
looked  down.  They  made  signs  to  those  below.  The  women  gath- 
ered around  O'Tsuyu  as  if  to  keep  her  from  the  sight.  She  broke 
away  from  them  as  the  body  was  gently  lowered  to  the  ground. 
Her  shrieks  rang  loud.  They  strove  to  detach  her  from  the  dead 
body  of  Chozaemon.  The  House  ruined,  daughter  and  husband 
taken  out  of  her  life  in  a  single  day;  the  blow  was  too  crushing 
for  a  brain  harassed  by  a  life  with  this  debauched  worthless  man. 
Her  warders  struggled  with  one  gone  clean  daft.  Years  after 
men  grown  up  from  childhood  in  the  ward  looked  with  pity  at 
the  feeble  ragged  old  mad  beggar  woman  who  crouched  by  the 
beautiful  bronze  dragon  which  ornaments  the  water  basin  of  the 
Ten-o  Jinja.  They  would  drop  in  her  hand  a  copper  "  cash,"  and 
drive  off  with  rebuke  the  children  who  taunted  and  annoyed  her — 
as  they  had  done  years  before.  Thus  were  mother  and  daughter — 
the  innocent — involved  in  the  father's  crime  against  the  dread 
Lady  of  Tamiya. 

All  these  events  created  a  tremendous  stir  in  Yotsuya.  Men 
disliked  to  go  abroad  at  night.  Women,  to  their  great  incon- 
venience were  confined  to  the  house.  Two  figures  approaching 
each  other  in  the  darkness  would  be  seen  to  hesitate  and  stop. 
"  What's  that — standing,  slinking  yonder  by  the  wall  ?  Alas ! 
This  Kinsaburo,  this  Genzaemon  has  evil  fortune  led  him  into 
the  clutches  of  the  O'Bake  ?  O'lwa  !  O'lwa  !  "  With  that  and  mad 
cries  they  would  fall  on  each  other;  at  times  only  to  exer- 
cise restraint  after  some  injury  had  been  done.  Hence 
quarrels  arose ;  feuds,  started  in  all  innocence,  came  into  being. 
Women,  as  suspects,  were  chief  sufferers.  The  local  atmosphere 
was  overcharged,  nerve  racked.  And  so  from  Honjo  to  Nakacho 
(Shinjuku),  from  Nakanocho  (Yoshiwara)  to  Shinagawa,  even 
in  the  nearer  post  towns  of  Kawasaki,  Tsurumi,  and  Kanagawa 


216  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

the  talk  was  spreading  of  the  strange  happenings  in  Yotsuya  of 
Edo  town.  Katada  Tatewaki,  descendant  of  that  Katada  Samon 
who,  as  vassal  of  Gongen  Samon  (lyeyasu)  had  had  this  Aoyama- 
Yotsuya  district  in  fief,  now  first  began  his  inquiries  into  the 
affair.  The  Katada  had  wide  possessions  elsewhere  at  the  time  of 
the  grant.  Samon  had  gifted  much  of  his  new  fief  as  temple 
land,  and  on  the  old  maps  of  the  day  this  part  of  Edo  is  a  blood 
red  splash,  indication  of  these  many  establishments.  But  the 
Katada  influence  still  prevailed  through  the  ward,  indeed  through 
the  more  than  good  will  of  the  beneficiaries.  Tatewaki's  yasJiiki 
was  at  the  top  of  Ushigomezaka.  His  modest  pension  of  a  thou- 
sand koku  by  no  means  represented  the  extent  of  his  power, 
lemon  became  frightened  at  the  storm  gathering  against  him.  He 
was  open  to  all  suggestions  of  remedy  for  the  cataleptic  state  into 
which  O'Hana  had  fallen.  The  neighbour  gossips  suggested  call- 
ing in  the  Daih5-in  of  Shiomachi.  A  service  kept  part  at  least  of 
the  money  in  the  ward.  They  had  their  share  in  provision  and 
consumption ;  the  fifty  ryo  necessary  were  much  to  them — and  to 
lemon  in  his  present  circumstances. 

The  neighbours  were  assembled  at  Tamiya.  lemon  went  forth 
to  greet  the  Daih5-in.  With  his  attendant  kannushi  and  train  he 
presented  himself  at  the  entrance.  lemon  was  prostrate  in  saluta- 
tion before  the  great  man. — "  Reverential  thanks  for  the  conde- 
scension. Deign  to  enter  this  unfortunate  house."  The  Shinto 
priest  was  brusque,  as  is  the  way  of  the  kind.  Himself  he  was  the 
samurai,  with  all  the  tone  of  official  manner.  "  Ha  !  Ha !  Salu- 
tation to  all."  He  gave  a  comprehensive  glance  through  the  as- 
sembly and  lost  none  of  them  in  the  process.  He  approached  the 
couch  of  O'Hana.  He  opened  the  closed  eyes,  which  stared 
fixedly  into  space  as  of  one  dead.  He  raised  an  arm  upright  from 
the  body.  Stepping  aside,  he  squatted.  Some  moments  passed. 
The  arm  remained  rigidly  upright.  Satisfied,  the  Daiho-in  signed 
to  his  attendants.     Raising  O'Hana  they  placed  her  in  a  sitting 


MATTERS  ECCLESIASTICAL  217 

posture  on  a  mat.  Her  hair  was  arranged  in  ichoniage.-  A  gohci 
was  placed  between  her  hands.  Then  the  Daiho-in  began  the 
recitation  of  the  prayers  and  charms.  The  other  priests  gave  voice 
at  times  in  response.  All  present  were  awe-struck.  The  women 
hardly  breathed,  leaning  eagerly  forward.  Their  eyes  took  on  a 
vacant  stare,  as  if  themselves  mesmerized.  The  gohci  began  to 
tremble ;  then  to  shake  violently.  The  woman's  hair  fell  down  in 
disorder  around  her  face.  All  turned  away  their  faces.  Some 
women  gave  smothered  cries.  It  was  OTwa  San  who  glared  at 
them  out  of  those  eyes.  The  Daiho-in  eagerly  leaned  close  over 
O'Hana — "OTwa:  where  are  you?  What  has  become  of  your 
body?  Be  sure  to  speak  the  truth.  Don't  attempt  to  lie  to  the 
priest.  .  .  .  You  don't  know  ?  Ah !  you  would  be  obstinate 
in  your  grudge.  The  charm  shakes  and  quivers ;  it  possesses 
O'lwa.  .  .  .  You  would  rest  in  Samoncho  ground?  That  is 
much  to  ask :  particularly  when  the  body  is  not  in  hand.  .  .  . 
A  substitute  will  do  ?  Ah !  Prayers  ?  .  .  .  For  a  year,  at 
morn  and  night  of  each  day?  That  is  terrific.  Consider  the  cost. 
.  You  care  not  for  the  cost !  Only  then  will  you  cease  to 
afflict  the  ward  ?  .  .  .  Very  well :  humbly  this  Daiho-in 
transmits  the  will  of  the  dead." 

Thus  did  the  priestly  mediator  interpret  to  his  gaping  auditors 
the  mumbling  and  cries  given  forth  by  O'Hana.  The  wild  look 
faded  from  her  eyes.  She  rolled  over  as  in  a  faint.  The  priests 
raised  her  up.  The  Daiho-in  turned  to  lemon  and  the  assembly — 
"  The  words  of  O'lwa  have  been  heard  through  this  woman. 
O'Hana  has  been  possessed  by  OTwa.  Hence  her  trance.  .  . 
Heigh !  Water !"'  He  begaji  making  passes  over  his  patient — 
"  The  stage  has  passed.  O'Hana  no  longer  is  possessed  by  O'lwa. 
The  wronged  lady  leaves  O'Hana  to  peace.  O'Hana  is  completely 
herself  again.    O'lwa  is  all  delusion.    O'Hana  believes  this.    She 

^A  young  girl's  method  of  fixing  the  hair;  but  Ryuo  uses  the  term. 
Gohei  are  the  paper  strips  used  as  offering.  Usually  attached  to  a  short 
stick. 


218  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

believes  firmly.  The  Daiho-in  tells  her  to  believe.  O'lwa  does 
not  haunt  O'Hana.  OTwa  has  no  ill  will  against  OTIana."  He 
looked  fixedly  and  with  command  into  the  eyes  of  O'Hana.  His 
voice  rang  clear  and  authoritative.  Then  he  began  gently  to 
stroke  the  back  of  her  head,  her  neck  and  spine.  "  All  is  well?  " 
"  Hai !  Hai !  This  Hana  is  completely  restored.  All  is  well." 
With  a  little  sigh  she  sank  back,  to  be  laid  on  the  cushions  in  a 
sleep  which  all  wondered  to  see  was  most  natural.  Those  present 
were  in  transports  of  delight.  They  buzzed  approval  as  the 
Daiho-in  addressed  lemon.  "  The  Daiho-in  has  done  liis  part. 
All  have  heard  the  words  of  O'lwa  San.  The  rest  lies  with  the 
temple.  Deign  to  receive  these  words.  The  Daiho-in  returns." 
With  his  pack  voicing  loudly  at  his  tail  he  left  the  entrance  gate. 
The  assembly  streamed  after.  lemon  was  left  alone,  biting  his 
thumbs  in  helpless  rage.  He  was  aghast.  "  The  old  fox !  What 
is  to  be  done,  pressed  as  lemon  is  for  funds?  How  is  this 
lemon  to  act?  Refusal  means  the  open  hostility  of  the  whole 
ward.  It  will  turn  against  him.  Ah !  What  a  miserable  old 
scamp.  He  did  it  all  himself  ;  he  and  his  confederates.  The  gods 
descend  from  above ;  the  Daiho-in  shakes  the  goliei  from  below — 
and  those  fools  believe,  to  the  ruin  of  lemon !" 

Hence  he  would  have  postponed  the  costly  appeal  to  the  temple. 
Within  the  week  a  committee  of  the  ward  waited  upon  him.  As 
if  expecting  them,  lemon  gave  ready  compliance.  With  four  or 
five  other  gentlemen  he  waited  upon  Shuden  Osho,  the  famous 
priest  of  the  temple  of  the  Gyoran  Kwannon.  The  Lady  Merci- 
ful, Kwannon  Sama,  seemed  the  fitting  deity  to  whom  appeal 
should  be  made.  A  word  is  to  be  said  as  to  this  famous  manifesta- 
tion of  the  goddess.  Told  by  Ryuo  at  length,  of  necessity  here 
the  account  is  much  abridged.  Gyoran  Kwannon — ^Kwannon  of 
the  fish-basket — has  several  other  names.  She  is  called  the 
Namagusai  Kwannon,  from  the  odour  of  fresh  blood  attached  to 
the  pursuit;  the  Byaku  Kwannon,  or  the  white  robed;  the 
Baryufu  Kwannon,  as  wife  of  Baryu  the  fisherman.     The  image 


MATTERS  ECCLESIASTICAL  219 

of  the  Byaku  Kwannon  exists.''  It  is  carved  in  white  wood,  stained 
black,  with  a  scroll  in  the  right  hand,  and  holding  a  fish  basket 
{gydran)  in  the  left  hand.  The.  story  of  Baryu,  and  of  his  con- 
nection with  Kwannon,  is  of  more  moment. 

In  Morokoshi  (China)  there  is  a  place  called  Kinshaden. 
Across  the  bay  from  Edo-Tokyo  is  Kazusa  with  its  ninety-nine 
villages,  one  of  which  has  the  same  name — Kinshaden.  The  fish- 
ing population  of  Nippon  is  a  rough  lot.  From  babyhood  there  is 
little  but  quarrelling  and  fighting  between  the  bands  which  con- 
trol the  dififerent  wards  of  the  villages.  The  relations  between 
the  people  are  very  primitive.  One  of  the  important  occupations 
is  the  iwashi,  or  pilchard,  fishing.  To  pull  in  the  nets  loaded  with 
the  fish  requires  the  united  effort  of  the  whole  village  population, 
men,  women,  even  children.  Among  their  toilers  the  people  of 
Kinshaden  noted  a  young  girl  of  some  sixteen  or  seventeen  years  ; 
easily  noted  by  the  great  beauty  and  attraction  of  face  and  figure, 
the  willing  readiness  and  wonderful  strength  she  showed  in  her 
struggles  with  the  weighted  net.  As  she  appeared  several  times 
at  last  some  men  went  up  to  her — "Girl,  you  are  a  stranger  here. 
For  your  aid  thanks  are  oflfered.  Who  may  you  be ;  and  whence 
from?  Strangers,  even  in  kindness,  in  Nippon  must  not  conceal 
their  names."  The  girl  smiled — 'T  come  from  Fudarakusan  in 
the  South  Ocean.  .  .  .  Where  is  Fudarakusan?  It  is  in 
India.  .  .  .  And  India?  It  is  in  the  South  Ocean,  the 
Nankai."  To  the  wonder  expressed  at  her  coming  such  a  distance 
of  thousands  of  ri. — "  I  come,  I  serve,  for  my  husband." — "  Your 
husband?  Pray  who  may  he  be,  in  these  parts ?  " — "  Not  yet  is  he 
chosen,"  answered  the  girl.  "Come!  The  nets  are  drawn,  the 
fishing  ended  for  the  day.  I  will  ascend  that  rock ;  read  the  sutra 
of  the  Lady  Kwannon.  He  who  can  first  memorize  it  shall  be  my 
husband."  Ready  was  the  assent  to  such  an  attractive  proposal — 
a  beautiful  helpmate  in  prospect,  one  endowed  with  surprising 
strength  for  her  frail  form,  and  who  seemed  to  bring  luck  to  the 

'At  the  Gyoranji  of  Matsuzakacho  in  the  Mita  district  of  Tokyo. 


220  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

efforts  of  the  village  in  the  struggle  for  a  livelihood.  Even  the 
Nipponese  prejudice  against  strangers  paled  before  such  practical 
qualification. 

The  maid  ascended  to  the  rostrum.  For  three  days  she  read 
and  expounded  the  holy  sutra  of  the  Lady  Kwannon.  On  the 
fourth  day  the  fisherman  Baryu — young,  handsome,  strong — felt 
sure  that  he  could  answer  to  the  test.  "  Woman,  descend !  To- 
day this  Baryu  will  repeat  the  sutra,  expound  its  meaning."  With 
seeming  surprise  and  merriment  the  girl  obeyed.  Baryu  took  her 
place.  Without  slip  or  fault  he  repeated  the  sutra,  expounded 
the  intricacies  of  its  meaning.  The  girl  bowed  low  in  submission. 
"  Condescend  to  admit  my  humble  person  to  the  hut  of  Baryu  the 
fisherman.  To-night  she  pollutes  with  her  presence  a  corner  of 
his  bed-chamber."  Rejoicing  Baryu  at  once  took  her  to  his  home, 
where  he  would  act  the  husband.  At  first  gently  she  rebukerl  him. 
"  These  rough  people  of  Kinshaden  have  regard  to  nothing!  There 
is  such  a  rite  as  marriage.  Nine  times  are  the  sake  cups  to  be 
drained  between  husband  and  wife.  Thus  is  established  this  im- 
portant relation.  In  the  connection  between  man  and  woman 
there  is  such  a  thing  as  etiquette.  This  observed,  the  woman 
passes  to  the  possession  of  the  man.  For  the  woman,  second  mar- 
riage there  is  none." 

Thus  were  the  decencies  of  the  marriage  bed  taught  to  the 
rough  fisherman.  Near  dawn  Baryu  awoke  with  surprise.  His 
bed-fellow  was  in  the  last  extremities.  Dripping  with  sweat,  she 
seemed  to  be  melting  away.  Already  she  was  unconscious.  Then 
vomiting  forth  water  she  died.  Baryu  was  tremendously  put  out. 
To  lose  a  wife,  who  barely  had  been  a  wife;  one  so  beautiful,  so 
strong ;  this  was  extremely  vexatious.  "  This  won't  do  at  all ! 
Why  has  such  a  misfortune  befallen  this  Baryu?  O'Kabe  (Miss 
Plaster)  and  O'Nabe  (Miss  Stewpan)  endured  without  mishap 
the  passage  of  their  marriage  night.  .  .  .  Hai !  Hai !"  in  reply 
to  a  friend  knocking  at  the  door.  "  Baryu  cannot  go  to  the  fishing 
to-da3^     .     .     .     The  woman?     She  has  died.     Baryu's  wife  is 


MATTERS  ECCLESIASTICAL  221 

dead."  Opening  the  door  he  retailed  his  experience  to  the  won- 
dering friend.  As  they  talked,  along  came  a  priest  most  strangely 
dressed  for  this  land.  Approaching  them  he  said — "  Is  this  the 
house  of  Baryu?  "  At  the  fisherman's  acknowledgement — "  Has 
a  girl  come  here  ?  .  .  .  Dead  !  Deign  to  let  this  foolish  cleric 
hang  eyes  upon  her."  Baryu  thought  he  would  take  his  turn  at 
cjuestions.  "  And  you ;  whence  from?"  "From  Fudarakusan  in 
the  Nankai."  "  Get  you  hence,  frantic  interloper,"  broke  in 
Baryu  with  grief  and  anger.  "  Enough  has  this  Baryu  heard  of 
Fudarakusan.  Baryu  must  needs  observe  his  state  as  widower. 
The  month  must  pass  before  he  seeks  a  wife.  And  more  than  half 
its  days  remain !  But  look."  Mollified  by  the  humble  attitude  of 
the  priest  he  went  and  raised  the  coverlet  from  the  woman's  body. 
He  uttered  a  cry  of  surprise.  "  Oya !  Oya!  She  has  disap- 
peared. There  is  naught  here  but  a  wooden  image.  Ma !  Ma ! 
what  a  curious  figure — with  scroll  and  fish  basket,  just  as  the  wife 
appeared  at  the  beach.  This  is  what  one  reads  of  in  books."  He 
turned  to  the  priest  in  wonder  and  as  seeking  explanation.  Said 
the  latter  with  earnest  and  noble  emphasis — "  Favoured  has  been 
this  Baryu.  The  Kwannon  of  Fudarakusan  of  Nankai  has  shown 
herself  before  his  very  eyes.  For  the  reform  of  this  wicked 
people,  to  teach  them  the  holy  writing,  she  has  condescended  to 
submit  to  the  embraces  of  the  fisherman.  Let  not  Baryu  think  of 
other  marriage.  For  him  has  come  the  call  to  leave  this  world. 
Fail  not  to  obey."  Baryu  rushed  to  the  door,  to  catch  but  a 
glimpse  of  the  departing  form.  All  sign  of  the  priest  quickly 
faded.  Baryu  returned  to  the  wooden  figure  lying  where  once 
had  reposed  the  body  of  the  beautiful  girl.  It  was  a  most 
unsatisfactory  substitute  for  the  flesh  and  blood  original.  But 
Baryu  made  the  most  of  it.  He  took  his  vow.  He  shaved  his 
head,  becoming  a  priest  to  recite  and  preach  the  sutra  of  the  Lady 
Kwannon.  Hence  this  Kwannon  is  known  as  the  Baryufu  Kwan- 
non— wife  of  Baryu  the  fisherman.  Hence  she  is  called  the 
Kwannon  of  the  fish  basket,  in  honour  of  the  aid  she  brought  the 
people  of  this  village  and  land. 


CHAPTER    XXII 

THE  RITES  FOR  O'lWA   SAN 

Iemon  fared  as  badly  at  the  hands  of  the  Buddha  as  at  those 
of  the  Kami.  Shuden  Osho,  as  guardian  of  the  sacred  image  of 
the  Gyoran  Kwannon,  was  a  very  great  man  indeed.  After  some 
delay  the  deputation  from  Samoncho  was  ushered  into  his  pres- 
ence, lemon  made  profound  obeisance  and  explained  the  cause 
of  their  presence.  The  visitations  of  OTwa  to  the  district  were 
causing  the  greatest  public  commotion.  Not  as  a  matter  of  private 
interest,  but  of  public  utility  his  interference  was  sought.  If 
lemon  thought  to  abstract  a  copper  "  cash  "  from  the  priesijy 
treasury  he  made  a  gross  mistake.  Besides,  the  individual  whc 
disturbs  the  public  peace  suffers  severely  from  official  mediation, 
no  matter  what  form  this  takes.  Shuden  inquired  minutely  as  to 
the  visit  of  the  Daiho-in,  of  which  he  seemed  to  have  heard. 
What  information  lemon  might  have  withheld,  or  minimised,  or 
given  a  different  complexion,  was  cheerfully  volunteered  by 
others,  who  also  corrected  and  amplified  any  undue  curtailing ..Qr^ 
ambiguity  of  their  spokesman.  Shuden  listened  to  lemon  with 
a  gravity  and  an  expression  hovering  between  calculation  and  jeer- 
ing comment.  He  turned  from  him  to  the  committee,  giving  great 
attention  to  those  scholiasts  on  the  text  of  the  orator.  He  gravely 
wagged  his  head  in  agreement  with  the  rival  prelate,  whose  acumen 
he  highly  extolled.  Memorial  services  were  to  be  provided  for  a 
year.  It  was,  after  all,  merely  a  form  of  restitution  to  the  wronged 
lady.  But  also  the  wandering  spirit  of  OTwa  was  to  be  suitably 
confined.  Here  lay  the  difficulty.  Recitation  of  the  sutra  for 
seven  continuous  days  ;  proper  inhumation  of  the  substitute  beyond 
possibility  of  disturbance,  would  surely  lay  a  spell  on  the  enraged 
lady,  and  put  an  end  to  the  curse  of  one  dying  an  unworshipped 
222 


THE  RITES  FOR  O'lWA  SAN  223 

spirit.    For  the  burial  a  bamboo  was  to  be  provided — of  length  one 
shaku  eig-ht  bu  (one  foot  nine  inches)  between  the  joints. 

With  this  notice  lemon  and  his  companions  withdrew.  He 
was  resigned  to  the  payment  of  the  fifty  ryo  necessary  for  the 
memorial  services  extending  over  the  year.  The  inclusion  in  the 
bamboo  was  another  affair.  The  finding  of  such  was  about  as  easy 
as  the  fishing  for  black  pearls.  He  soon  found  that  securing  the 
substitute  and  securing  the  body  of  OTwa  San  for  proper  inhuma- 
tion were  kindred  problems.  After  looking  over  all  the  bamboo 
which  had  drifted  to  Edo  and  was  in  the  hands  of  the  world 
secular — and  most  of  it  at  surprisingly  cheap  rates — the  com- 
mittee was  driven  back  on  the  religious  world.  They  soon  found 
that  the  article  in  question  was  kept  in  stock  only  at  the  Gyoran 
Kwannondd.  Resorting  to  the  priestly  offices,  lemon  felt  con- 
vinced that  the  grave  salutation  of  the  incumbent  official — they 
directed  him  to  the  treasury — concealed  a  derisive  grin  at  his  ex- 
pense. He  was  sure  of  it  when  he  learned  that  this  rare  object 
could  be  had — for  another  fifty  ryo.  The  temple  gave  no  credit ; 
but  Suzuki,  the  usurer  who  was  one  of  the  partv,  after  some 
demur  agreed  to  hand  over  the  amount,  which  he  had  just  received 
from  Akiyama  Shozaemon,  the  service  bounty  of  the  daughter 
O'Tsuru.  With  some  reluctance  the  long  nosed,  long  faced,  long 
limbed  Kamimura  went  security  for  the  repayment  on  their  return 
to  the  ward.  With  cheerful  recklessness  lemon  pledged  the  last 
chance  of  any  income  from  the  pension  and  resources  of  Tamiya 
for  the  next  three  years ;  so  heavily  was  he  in  debt.  Shuden  on 
his  part  lost  no  time.  With  at  least  one  member  of  the  committee 
in  attendance,  to  see  that  he  played  fair,  for  seven  days  vigorously 
was  the  sutra  intoned  by  the  loudest  and  most  brazen  of  his  sub- 
ordinates, backed  by  the  whole  body  of  priests.  Day  and  night  a 
priest  would  slip  to  the  side  altar,  to  invoke  the  nity  of  the  Ruddha 
on  the  wandering  spirit  of  the  deceased  ladv  in  few  pithy  but  hasty 
words,  and  to  spend  the  rest  of  his  vigil  in  a  decent  slumberous 
immobility. 


224  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

The  seven  clays  accomplished,  the  procession  formed.  Six 
men  in  new  uniforms — provided  by  lemon — made  pretence  of 
great  difficulty  in  carrying  the  long  box  {jiagamochi).  Four 
men  carried  the  sambo,  or  sacred  tray  of  white  wood,  on  which 
rested  the  section  of  bamboo  wrapped  by  the  hands  of  Shuden 
himself  in  the  sacred  roll  of  the  sutra  of  Kwannon.  Officialdom 
of  the  ward  was  present.  The  citizens  turned  out  en  masse.  For 
long  Yotsuya  had  not  witnessed  such  a  scene.  Within  its  precincts 
the  yashiki  of  the  great  nobles  were  conspicuously  absent;  their 
long  processions  of  spearman,  chngen,  samurai  and  officials  were 
only  to  be  witnessed  at  times  on  the  highway  which  leaves  Shin- 
juku  for  the  Koshukaido  and  the  alternate  and  then  little  used 
Ashigaratoge  road.  Arrived  at  Samonchd  the  ground  selected 
was  inspected  by  Shuden.  The  bishop's  eyebrows  puckered  in 
questioning  mien.  "  Here  there  are  too  many  people.  Is  there 
no  other  place?"  They  led  him  to  another  site.  The  wrinkle 
deepened  to  a  frown — "  Here  there  are  too  many  children.  Their 
frolics  and  necessities  are  unseemly.  These  would  outrage  the 
tender  spirit.  Is  there  no  other  place?"  The  committee  was  non- 
plussed, lemon  was  in  terrible  fear  lest  all  his  effort  and  expendi- 
ture would  go  for  naught  but  to  swell  Shuden's  cash  roll.  A 
thought  came  into  his  mind.  "  There  is  no  other  open  land,  but 
the  garden  of  Tamiya  is  wide  and  secluded.  The  wall  prevents 
public  access."  People  looked  at  him  aghast.  He  was  either  mad 
with  courage,  or  obstinate  in  disbelief  in  the  power  of  OTwa  San 
so  plainly  manifested.  Shijden  paid  no  attention  to  that  surprised 
whispering.  "  Deign  to  show  the  way  thither."  Thus  the  pro- 
cession took  its  course  back  to  Teramachi  and  through  the  gate  of 
Tamiya.  A  spot  was  selected,  just  before  the  garden  gate.  It 
was  open  to  the  salutation  and  vows  of  passers-by,  yet  could  be 
shut  off  from  direct  access  toward  house  and  public.  At  Shuden's 
order  a  hole  was  dug,  just  four  shaku  (feet)  in  depth.  The 
Osho  began  the  recitation  of  the  sutra.  The  priests  stood  by  in 
vigilant  attention.     As  the  last  word  reverberated  on  the  bishop's 


.  THE  RITES  FOR  OTWA  SAN  225 

lips  they  seized  the  sutra  wrapped  bamboo,  sHpped  it  in  the  long 
box — bum !  the  lock  snapped.  The  congregation  was  tremendously 
impressed.  For  a  decent  time  Shuden  remained  in  prayer  and 
meditation.  "  The  charm  is  complete.  O'lwa  no  longer  wanders, 
to  her  own  penance  and  the  disaster  of  men.  Henceforth  he  who 
says  she  does  so  lies.  Hearken  to  the  words  of  Shiiden.  Admit 
none  such  to  your  company.  Let  not  children  make  this  place  a 
playground.  Shuden  has  given  warning.  Pollution  surely  fol- 
lows. Their  habits  are  unseemly,  an  insult  to  the  dead.  Even 
as  to  parents,  those  with  infants  on  their  backs  are  specifically  to 
be  excluded."  He  tied  a  paper  covered  with  Sanscrit  characters 
to  a  bamboo  stick.  This  was  placed  on  a  white  wood  stake.  On 
the  stake  he  wrote  kindred  words,  converting  it  into  the  counter- 
feit of  a  sotoba.  Neither  he  nor  any  present  knew  what  the  words 
meant,  or  had  care  as  to  their  ignorance  of  this  essential  of  re- 
ligion. Then  he  and  his  train  gathered  up  their  gowns  and  gal- 
loped out  the  gate,  after  practice  and  receipt  of  grave  courtesy, 
so  much  did  temple  dififer  from  shrine  in  its  contact  with  secular 
life.  The  assembled  multitude  departed  ;  much  edified  by  the  day's 
proceedings,  and  with  low  comment  to  each  other  on  the  dilapida- 
tion of  Tamiya,  its  fall  from  the  one  time  spruce  and  flourishing 
state.  Introduce  a  spendthrift  in  the  door,  and  the  wealth  leaks 
from  every  crevice.  The  spirit  of  Tamiya  Matazaemon  must 
grieve  at  this  sight.  But  why  did  he  bring  in  as  muko  a  stranger?" 
lemon  could  flatter  himself  on  the  efUcacy  of  the  divine 
interposition.  The  public  mind  was  quieted.  Nothing  more  was 
heard  of  O'lwa  San.  Only  the  daily  summons,  on  one  pretext  or 
another,  to  the  ward  office  troubled  him.  The  yakunin  also  made 
a  practice  of  taking  in  Tamiya  en  route  to  performance  of  their 
various  missions.  This  he  knew  was  a  practice  as  to  men  under 
observation.  He  went  over  his  career  as  known  to  Yotsuya. 
There  was  nothing  in  it  to  call  for  question.  Ofificial  censure  does 
not  rest  its  case  on  a  ghost  story.  The  famous  investigation  of 
Echizen  no  Kami  (Ooka)  into  the  Yaeume  case  of  Yamada  was 
15 


226  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN     , 

matter  of  later  days.  Moreover,  all  his  troubles  were  lightened 
by  the  state  of  O'Hana,  the  devoted  object  of  unwavering  affec- 
tion. Ever  since  the  Daiho-in  had  mesmerized  her,  impressed  his 
will  on  her,  the  daily  improvement  could  be  marked.  Now  again 
she  was  her  normal  self;  sadly  thin  and  worn  in  spirit,  a  woman 
tired  out,  but  yet  the  figure  of  O'Hana  and  in  her  right  mind.  To 
him  she  was  the  beautiful  tradition  of  the  past  and  just  as  beauti- 
ful as  ever  in  actuality.  Two  weeks  had  passed  since  Shuden's 
experiment.  One  night,  as  the  hour  of  the  pig  (9  p.m.)  was 
striking,  there  came  a  knocking  at  the  door.  O'Hana  rose  from 
her  sewing.  "  Danna,  Kamimura  San  would  say  a  word."  lemon 
made  a  gesture  of  annoyance.  The  long  man  had  shadowed  him, 
ever  since  entering  on  the  engagement  of  bail.  He  went  to  the 
door  and  looked  at  his  caller  with  amazement.  Kamimura,  his 
hair  in  confusion,  was  stark  naked  except  for  his  wife's  under 
cloth — and  she  was  almost  a  dwarf.  He  stretched  out  a  hand  to 
lemon,  half  in  threat,  half  in  begging.  "  lemon  Uji,  a  word: 
condescend  to  grant  this  Goemon  ten  ryo  in  silver,  not  in  words. 
Suzuki  the  usurer  has  come  on  Goemon  as  bail  of  lemon,  in  the 
matter  of  the  exorcism.  To-day  he  stripped  the  house  of  every- 
thing. Wife  and  children,  hungry  and  almost  naked,  lie  on  bare 
boards.  When  Goemon  begged  mercy,  that  he  go  to  Tamiya,  the 
wretched  fellow  jeered.  '  Tamiya?  Tamiya  has  but  liibachi  and 
three  mats;  the  clothes  worn  by  himself  and  wife.  The  house 
and  land  of  Tamiya  is  but  a  reversion.  Suzuki  gets  nothing  at 
Tamiya  but  a  lawsuit  which  would  not  pay  the  office  fees. 
Kamimura  is  rich ;  his  house  is  well  supplied.  One  petition ;  and 
not  only  expenses,  but  the  debt  finds  payment.  Hence  Suzuki 
troubles  not  Tamiya.'  With  this  off  he  went  deriding  me.  Deign 
the  loan,  lemon  San.  Condescend  at  least  the  shelter  of  clothes 
and  food." 

To  the  wretched  fellow  lemon  could  make  no  reply.  Ten  ryo! 
Kamimura  might  as  well  have  asked  for  ten  thousand  ryo.  In 
house  and  land  lemon  was  secure.    These  belonged  to  the  heirship 


THE  RITES  FOR  O'lWA  SAN  227 

of  Taniiya  as  long  as  the  House  maintained  its  status.  The  pen- 
sion was  long  mortgaged.  The  farms  had  disappeared.  The 
trouble  of  Goemon  pained  him.  He  could  only  refuse ;  palliating 
the  refusal  with  vague  promises  as  to  the  near  future.  He  would 
effect  a  loan.  The  debt  of  Suzuki  repaid,  all  his  goods  would  be 
restored  to  Kamimura  San.  Goemon  took  this  talk  at  its  real 
value.  Shaking  his  fist  he  berated  lemon  with  violent  words. 
"  Ah !  Shame  is  brought  to  the  House  of  Kamimura,  wretched- 
ness to  his  family — and  by  this  vile  stranger.  It  is  lemon  with 
his  heartless  wicked  treatment  of  OTwa  San,  who  has  wrought 
distress  and  ruin  to  the  ward.  For  Goemon  there  is  neither  food 
nor  clothing?  Wait!  Time  shall  bring  his  vengeance  on  lemon 
and  his  House."  lemon  would  have  detained  him ;  sought  in  some 
way  to  mollify  him,  at  least  get  a  hint  as  to  how  he  purposeid 
injury.  Goemon  shook  him  off  as  one  would  a  reptile.  With  a 
wild  laugh  he  went  out  naked  as  he  was  into  the  darkness. 

He  had  no  definite  purpose  in  mind.  However,  as  he  passed 
the  garden  gate  of  Tamiya  his  eye  caught  the  factitious  sotoba 
standing  white  in  the  fitful  moonlight.  He  stood  stock  still ;  then 
clapped  his  hands  in  mad  joy  and  decision.  Hastening  to  his 
home  he  sought  out  an  old  battered  mattock  and  a  rusty  spade. 
Soon  he  was  back  at  the  garden  gate.  A  blow  and  the  bar  fell. 
Goemon  passed  within.  "  She  lies  but  four  shakn  deep.  The  task 
is  quickly  performed.  None  pass  here  at  this  hour."  The  dirt 
flew  under  his  nervous  arms.  Soon  he  had  the  box  out  on  the 
ground  beside  him.  A  peel  of  thunder ;  he  must  hasten,  or  stand 
a  ducking  from  the  coming  storm.  He  laughed.  What  had  a 
naked  man  to  fear  from  getting  wet  ?  The  clothes  he  wore  would 
not  spoil.  Why  did  not  man  dress  in  a  towel,  as  after  the  bath ; 
its  use,  to  wipe  the  moisture  from  the  body.  Now  his  eyes  were 
fixed  in  curiosity  on  the  bamboo  staff  before  him.  The  first  few 
drops  of  the  rainstorm  fell  on  his  bare  shoulders,  but  he  disre- 
garded them.  "Naruhodo!  How  heavy  it  is!  OTwa  in  life 
hardly   weighed    more.      Lady   of    Tamiya — show    pity    on    this 


228  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Goenion.  lemon  and  O'Hana — those  wicked  voluptuaries — pros- 
per and  flourish,  while  Goemon  is  brought  to  beggary  and  starva- 
tion. Deign  to  visit  the  wrath  of  O'lwa  San  on  these  vile 
wretches.  Seize  and  kill  them.  Goemon  sets  O'lwa  free."  He 
seized  the  mattock.  Raising  it  overhead  he  brought  the  edge 
sharply  down  on  the  bamboo  stake.  At  the  moment  there  was 
a  violent  peal  of  thunder  rolling  off  into  a  crash  and  rattle.  The 
landscape  was  lit  up  by  the  vivid  lightning.  People  uneasily  turned 
over  on  their  beds. 

Shortly  after  dawn  lemon  woke  with  a  start.  Don-don-don, 
don-don-don.  There  was  a  tremendous  rapping  at  his  door. 
O'Hana  could  hear  but  a  whispered  consultation  going  on  without 
the  amado.  lemon  returned  to  the  room.  His  face  was  white ; 
his  step  tottered.  Hastily  he  donned  an  outer  robe.  To  her  ques- 
tion he  made  scant  reply,  so  agitated  was  he.  His  one  idea  was  to 
keep  from  her  what  he  had  just  heard.  In  the  garden  he  found 
his  wardsmen  assembled.  All  were  dumbfounded  and  aghast. 
They  looked  at  each  other  and  then  at  the  broken  bamboo  tube. 
Close  by  lay  the  body  of  the  man  who  had  done  the  deed.  Brains 
and  blood  had  oozed  from  the  hole  in  the  skull  in  which  yet  stuck 
the  pointed  end  of  the  mattock  sunk  deep  within.  Evidently  the 
instrument  had  rebounded  from  the  resilient  surface  of  the  bam- 
boo. A  by-stander  pointed  to  the  tiny  fracture  near  the  hard 
knot  of  the  staff.  It  was  a  small  thing,  but  enough  to  destroy  all 
the  past  labours.  lemon  went  up  to  look  at  the  body.  "AVhy! 
'Tis  Goemon."  To  their  questioning  he  told  how  Kamimura  had 
called  on  the  previous  night,  his  rage  at  the  inability  of  lemon  to 
aid  him  in  distress.  With  hanging  heads,  eyes  on  the  ground,  and 
wagging  tongues,  all  departed  to  their  homes.  Later  the  body 
of  Goemon  was  borne  to  his  house  by  neighbours.  lemon  picked 
up  the  bamboo  staff.  Carrying  it  within  he  placed  it  in  a  closet. 
It  was  as  costly  an  object  as  the  house  had  ever  held.  He  was  in 
despair. 

It  was  on  that  very  day,  at  the  seventh  hour  (3  p.m.),  that 


THE  RITES  FOR  OTWA  SAN  229 

O'Hana  heard  a  call  at  the  door.  "  A  request  to  make  !  A  request 
to  make !  "  She  recoiled  from  the  sight  presented.  A  beggar 
stood  at  the  entrance  of  Tamiya.  A  dirty  mat  wrapped  around  his 
body,  feet  and  arms  emerging  from  bandages,  making  him  like 
to  some  hideous  insect  with  its  carapace,  his  face  wrapped  in  a 
towel,  the  efifects  of  leprosy  were  hideously  patent." — "  What  do 
you  here?  There  is  naught  to  be  had.  Pray  depart  at  once." 
The  answer  was  in  tones  the  very  harshness  of  which  seemed  to 
cause  pain  to  the  utterer — "  The  request  is  to  lemon  Dono.  Conde- 
scend to  notify  him."  With  fearful  glance  O'Hana  shrank  within, 
lemon  noted  her  nervous  quivering.  Promptly  he  was  on  his  feet 
— "  A  beggar  has  frightened  Hana?  Such  are  to  be  severely  dealt 
with."  He  went  to  the  entrance.  ",A  beggar,  and  such  a  fellow? 
How  comes  it  entrance  has  been  had  to  the  ward?  There  is 
nothing  for  you  here.  H  you  would  escape  the  dogs  and  basti- 
nado, get  you  hence  at  once."  The  man  did  not  stir  from  the 
spot  on  which  he  stood.  Slowly  he  opened  the  mat  held  round 
his  body  (komokaburi),  one  of  the  coarse  kind  used  to  wrap  round 
sake  barrels.  He  was  clothed  in  rags  glued  together  by  the  foul 
discharges  of  his  sores.  He  removed  the  towel  from  his  face. 
The  ghastly  white  and  red  blotches,  the  livid  scars  of  the  leper, 
the  head  with  patches  of  scurfy  hair  ready  to  fall  at  a  touch, 
startled  even  lemon  the  priest.  He  would  not  have  touched 
this  man,  expelled  him  by  force,  for  all  the  past  wealth  of  Tamiya. 
The  intruder  noted  the  effect  produced. 

"  To  such  has  the  wrath  of  O'lwa  San  brought  this  Chdbei. 
Does  not  lemon,  the  one-time  neighbour  Kazuma,  recognize 
Chobei?  And  yet  all  comes  through  lemon.  Child,  wife,  means 
of  life,  all  these  have  failed  Ch5bei.  In  the  jail  robbed  of  every- 
thing, degenerate  in  mind  and  body,  Chobei  has  found  refuge  at 
nights  in  the  booths  of  street  vendors ;  on  cold  wet  nights,  even 
in  the  mouths  of  the  filthy  drains.  Fortunate  is  he  when  fine 
weather  sends  him  to  rest  on  the  river  banks.  To  seek  rest ;  not 
to   find   it.      O'lwa   stands   beside   him.      When   eyelids   drowse 


230  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Chobei  is  aroused,  to  find  her  face  close  glaring  into  his.  Beg 
and  implore,  yet  pardon  there  is  none.  '  Chobei  has  a  debt  to  pay 
to  Iwa.  In  life  Chobei  must  repay  by  sufifering;  yet  not  what  Iwa 
suffered.  Think  not  to  rest.'  Some  support  was  found  in  a 
daughter,  sold  in  times  past  to  the  Yamadaya  of  Yoshiwara. 
There  the  child  grew  up  to  become  the  great  profit  of  the  house. 
The  influence  of  the  Kashiku  was  all  powerful  to  secure  entrance. 
For  a  night  Chobei  was  to  find  food  and  a  bed.  But  that  night 
came  Kibei  San.  He  killed  the  Kashiku — crushed  her  out,  as  one 
would  crush  an  insect.  This  Chobei  nearly  died ;  but  Kibei  left 
him  to  the  mercy  of  OTwa.  Her  mercy !  "  He  would  have 
thrown  out  his  arms  in  weary  gesture  of  despair.  The  pain  and 
effort  were  too  great.  He  moaned.  "  Last  night  Chobei  sought 
relief.  Of  late  years  the  river  has  been  spanned,  for  passers-by 
and  solace  of  the  human  refuse.  Standing  on  Ryogokubashi  the 
dark  waters  of  the  river  called  to  Chobei  as  they  swept  strongly 
by  to  the  sea.  A  moment,  and  all  would  be  ended.  About  to  leap 
hands  were  laid  on  Chobei's  shoulders.  He  was  dragged  back. 
Tvxrning — lo !  'twas  O'lwa  San.  Another  creature,  still  fouler 
than  she,  with  sloping  eyelid,  bald  head,  and  savage  look,  stood 
by.  Said  OTwa  San — '  And  Chobei  would  end  all — with  luxury 
before  his  eyes  !  Chobei  dies  not  but  with  the  consent  of  Iwa.  Get 
you  to  Yotsuya ;  to  lemon  and  Hana,  living  in  luxury  and  Tamiya. 
Aid  will  not  be  refused  you.'  And  so  she  brought  me  here. 
Deign  to  hear  the  prayer  of  Chobei.  Allow  him  to  die  in  Yotsuya, 
upon  the  tatami;  not  on  the  bare  earth,  to  be  thrown  on  the  moor 
for  dogs  to  gnaw.    Grant  him  burial  in  temple  ground." 

He  changed  his  theme;  the  feeble  quivering  hands  clasped 
his  belly.  "  Ah  !  This  pinching  hunger.  Double  Chdbei's  suffer- 
ing ;  of  mind  and  body.  Apply  for  alms  or  food,  and  the  leper 
is  repulsed.  See !  Two  fingers  remain  on  this  hand.  Count  of 
the  rest  fills  out  the  tale  for  but  one  member.  O'Hana  San, 
condescend  a  rice  ball  for  this  Chobei.  You,  at  least,  know  not 
the  pinch  of  hunger.     .     .     .     Ah !     She  still  possesses  some  of 


THE  RITES  FOR  O'lWA  SAN  231 

that  beauty  and  charm  for  which  lemon  has  brought  ruin  upon 
all."  Before  the  horrible  lascivious  leer  of  this  object  O'Hana 
fled.  Left  alone  lemon  spoke.  He  had  been  thinking — "  Chobei 
has  spoken  well.  From  lemon  he  is  entitled  to  relief.  Chobei 
shall  die  on  his  mat.  But  in  such  shape  nothing  can  be  done.  Get 
you  hence.  Buy  clothing  fit  to  appear  before  men's  eyes.  In 
the  bath  wash  that  pus-laden  body.  Then  come  to  lemon.  Relief 
shall  be  granted  Chobei."  Wrapping  a  ryo  in  paper  he  passed 
it  to  the  leper.  It  was  the  last  coin  he  possessed.  O'Hana 
now  returned  with  five  or  six  rice  balls  savoured  with  salt.  Fas- 
cinated, the  two  watched  the  horrible  diseased  stumps  awkwardly 
shoving  the  food  into  the  toothless  mouth,  cramming  it  in,  and 
breaking  it  up  so  as  not  to  lose  the  savour  of  a  grain.  "  Until 
to-morrow,"  said  Chobei.  He  picked  up  his  stick.  In  silence  the 
man  and  woman  watched  him.  "  Leaning  on  his  bamboo  staff 
he  crawled  away  like  some  insect."  O'Hana  looked  inquiringly 
at  lemon.     He  turned  away  his  head. 

Through  the  dusk  Chobei  crawled  across  the  Ryogokubashi. 
The  words  of  the  woman  O'Take  had  come  true.  He  had  a  sense 
of  being  followed.  He  turned  at  the  sound  of  footsteps.  At 
sight  of  a  samurai  in  deep  hat,  mechanically  he  stretched  out  hands 
and  self  in  the  roadway,  begging  an  alms.  The  man  drew  apart, 
passing  him  in  disgust  and  haste.  Chdbei  went  on.  He  had  no 
aim.  It  was  with  surprise  that  he  found  himself,  as  often  of 
late,  on  the  embankment  of  the  North  Warigesui.  He  looked 
down  on  the  foul  place  of  O'lwa's  disappearance.  "  A  foul  end- 
ing; but  after  all  an  end.  One  night!  One  night's  sleep!  Deign, 
lady  of  Tamiya,  to  grant  pardon  and  respite  to  Chobei.  Just 
one  hour  of  sleep."  Carefully  he  adjusted  his  mat.  Painfully  he 
stretched  himself  out  on  it.  "  To  die  on  the  mat.  Such  was  the 
w^ord  of  lemon."  He  felt  his  rags.  "  It  was  well  he  agreed. 
Chobei  had  other  means  to  force  compliance.  Well,  'tis  for  later 
use."  A  continued  rustling  aroused  him.  Some  one  was  cau- 
tiously picking  a  way  through  the  dry  grass  of  the  past  winter, 


232  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

was  creeping  toward  him.  He  half  rose.  Seeing  that  concealment 
was  no  longer  possible,  the  man  rushed  on  him.  Chdbei  struggled 
to  his  feet,  as  one  to  fight  for  life.  "  Life  is  dear.  Why  kill 
Chobei  the  leper?  Is  he  a  test  for  some  new  sword?  Deign  to 
pardon.  The  flesh  of  the  leper  is  too  rotten.  It  defiles  the  weapon. 
Chobei  has  been  the  samurai;  he  knows.  .  .  .  Ah  !  Respite  there 
is  none.  'Tis  lemon !  lemon  of  Tamiya  would  kill  Ch5bei !  "  He 
shouted  and  coupled  the  names  in  his  despair.  Fearful  of  discov- 
ery, of  being  overheard,  lemon  did  not  delay.  The  gleaming 
weapon  descended.  Standing  over  the  body  lemon  showed  uncer- 
tainty. He  had  some  thought  of  search ;  even  bent  down  over  it. 
But  he  could  not  touch  those  foul  rags.  His  nicety  of  feeling, 
almost  womanlike — recoiled.  Besides,  what  more  had  lemon  to 
do  with  the  leper  Chobei.  Their  account  was  closed.  Should  he 
leave  the  body  where  it  was  ?  Recognition  might  convey  some 
danger,  at  least  inconvenience.  He  looked  around  for  means  to 
sink  it  in  these  waters,  and  yet  not  handle  its  repulsiveness.  A 
shoyu  tub,  old  but  fairly  intact,  lay  upon  the  bank.  It  caught 
his  eye.  He  rolled  it  up  to  the  corpse.  Gingerly  he  girdled 
the  body  of  the  dead  man  with  his  tasuki  (shoulder  cord).  Now 
tight  fast  it  clasped  the  roundness  of  the  barrel.  This  he  filled 
with  stones,  drove  in  the  head,  and  with  a  shove  sent  it  and  its 
burden  into  the  Warigesui.  "  That  will  hold  him  down.  The 
rotten  punk !  Three  days,  and  none  could  recognize  him."  Then 
he  set  off"  at  rapid  pace  for  Yotsuya. 


CHAPTER  XXIII 

SANZUGAWA     BRIDGELESS:      THE     FLOWERLESS 
ROAD  TRAVERSED  BY  THE  DEAD 

It  was  the  hour  of  the  pig  (9  p.m.)  before  lemon  reached 
the  house  in  Yotsuya.  To  his  surprise  he  found  the  ainado  still 
open  on  the  garden.  Some  one  was  lying  face  downward  on  the 
roka.  It  was  O'Hana.  To  his  alarmed  inquiry  as  to  what  was 
wrong  she  answered  in  the  voice  of  one  trying  to  suppress  great 
pain.  "  This  Hana  knows  not.  Opening  a  closet  to  get  the 
spices  used  in  preparing  the  meal,  a  rat  sprang  out.  It  scratched 
the  face  of  Hana.  Truly  the  pain  is  very  great."  She  groaned, 
lemon  gently  raised  her.  At  the  look  on  his  face  O'Hana  said — 
"There  is  a  mirror  in  the  toilet  set  (kyodai).  Deign  to  get 
it  for  Hana."  He  did  not  get  it — this  dower  gift  once  of  OTwa 
— but  tried  to  soothe  her — "  Let  be :  the  wounds  soon  will  heal. 
The  pain  will  pass  away."  She  shoved  him  aside  and  ran  to  the 
toilet  stand.  She  took  the  hand-mirror  to  the  solitary  lamp 
lighting  the  room.  Aghast  she  contemplated  her  features.  One 
side  of  the  face  was  completely  discoloured.  It  was  a  dark  red, 
almost  black,  with  the  mark  of  five  fingers  plainly  visible,  as  if  a 
hand  had  struck  her.  No  rat  had  made  this  wound.  O'Hana 
leaned  over,  her  head  resting  almost  on  her  knees.  lemon  touched 
her  shoulder — "  Don't  mind  it.  Truly  the  pain  will  pass  with 
dawn.  Hana  .  .  ."  He  drew  back  from  the  scowling  madness 
in  the  face  raised  to  him — "  Sa  !  Sa  !  lemon  !  lemon  !  Easily 
did  you  get  hold  of  all  my  property,  to  waste  it  on  O'Hana.  'Twas 
like  grasping  wet  millet.  Then,  barbarous  as  you  were,  you  sold  me 
to  the  vile  life  of  a  street  harlot.  Ah !  Vengeance  !  "  In  fright 
lemon  retreated.  O'Hana,  taking  herself  to  be  OTwa,  all  her 
madness  had  relurned.  She  sprang  up.  Screens  were  beaten  and 
torn  to  pieces.  With  the  heavy  mirror  she  turned  on  him,  seeking 
233 


234  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

vengeance  for  her  imagined  wrongs.  lemon  narrowly  escaped 
injury  as  he  dashed  in  to  grapple  with  her.  He  succeeded  in  drag- 
ging her  away  from  the  lamp.  Thus  did  this  wild  battle  rage  in 
the  half  dark  room.  The  fictitious  strength  of  the  ill  woman 
gave  out.  He  held  her  on  the  floor,  as  one  subdued.  As  she 
relapsed  into  a  sleep,  almost  of  unconsciovisness,  he  ventured  to 
release  her.  Going  to  a  closet  he  placed  the  mirror  beside  the 
bamboo  stick ;  both  hidden  away. 

All  night  he  watched  over  her.  Wearied  out,  with  day  he 
sought  an  aid  readily  given.  The  nurse,  however,  in  alarm  soon 
roused  him.  O'Hana  was  raving  madly  in  a  high  fever.  The 
woman  could  not  restrain  her.  Her  cries  were  terrible,  but  not 
more  so  than  the  speech  from  her  lips — "  OTwa,  pardon !  With 
the  drugs  of  Suian  this  Hana  would  palsy  OTwa's  mind  and 
body ;  poison  the  very  springs  of  life,  cut  ofif  all  hope  of  issue.  Ah  ! 
Vain  the  love  of  a  man.  All  is  granted  him ;  body  and  goods. 
lemon  sells  Hana  for  a  street  harlot.  Out  with  him !  Help ! 
.  Ah !  Kwaiba  aids — in  all  his  rottenness.  How  horrible 
he  is — huge  vacant  eye  holes,  the  purple  whitish  flesh  gnawed  and 
eaten.  .  .  .  Ugh!  He  stinks!  .  .  .  Nay!  'Tis  not 
Kwaiba.  'Tis  Chobei :  Chobei  the  leper,  who  would  embrace  this 
Hana.  lemon  comes.  There  is  murder  in  his  eye — for  Hana 
to  see,  not  Chobei.  Away!  Away!  .  .  .  Again,  there  she 
comes !  "  She  grasped  the  nurse's  arm,  and  pointed  to  the  just 
lighted  andon  which  barely  relieved  the  shadows  of  the  darkening 
night ;  was  it  the  woman's  imagination  ?  By  the  light,  dimly  out- 
lined ;  sat  O'lwa  San.  Her  hair  hung  down  around  face  and 
body  half  turned  aside.  The  bulging  forehead,  the  puffed  eye- 
lids, were  not  to  be  mistaken.  The  woman  shook  off  the  sick  girl's 
hand  and  fled  the  house.  lemon  did  not  try  to  prevent  her.  He 
was  as  one  paralyzed.    He,  too,  had  seen,  and  was  convinced. 

To  watch  through  the  night  was  the  task  of  the  anxious  and 
wearied  man.  In  the  day  a  yakunin  had  come,  with  formal  notice 
to  attend  next  day  the  office  of  Katada  Tatewaki  Dono.     His 


SANZUGAWA  BRIDGELESS  235 

lordship  had  an  inquiry  to  make.  The  summons  was  not  to  be 
disregarded,  'no  matter  what  his  own  exigencies.  O'Hana  had 
dropped  into  a  cataleptic  state.  As  the  eighth  hour  (i  a.m.) 
approached  he  thought  to  clear  brain  and  body  by  the  rest  of  a 
few  moments.  His  head  had  barely  touched  the  pillow  when 
sleep  followed.  The  bell  of  Gwanshoji  struck  the  hour.  It  roared 
and  reverberated  through  Tamiya.  lemon  awoke ;  an  oppression 
like  suffocation  pervaded  his  whole  body.  Opening  his  eyes  they 
stared  into  the  wide  white  fiat  face  of  OTwa.  Her  eyes  were  now 
alive,  darting  gleams  of  fire  deep  from  within  the  puffed  and 
swollen  lids.  He  felt  her  wild  disordered  hair  sweeping  his  face 
as  she  swayed  a  little,  still  retaining  her  post  and  clutch  on  his 
bosom — "  lemon  knows  Iwa  now !  Hana  knows  Iwa  now ! 
Sworn  to  seize  and  kill  both  for  seven  births — come  !  Now  it  is 
that  Iwa  completes  her  vengeance."  As  she  shook  and  pressed 
on  him  he  came  gradually  out  of  his  sleep.  With  a  shout  he 
cast  her  backwards.  Springing  up  he  grasped  the  sword  at  his 
pillow.  Madly  he  dealt  blow  after  blow  on  the  body  before  him. 
To  the  groans  he  replied  by  fresh  blows. 

An  uproar  without  called  him  to  himself.  Don — don — don, 
don,  don,  don.  There  was  knocking  at  the  gate.  lemon  hastily 
trimmed  up  the  wick  of  the  lamp.  He  leaned  over  the  body. 
O'Hana !  The  young  man  stooped  over  her,  leaning  on  the  gory 
sword.  Great  drops  of  cold  sweat  stood  out  on  his  forehead. 
A  shout  came  from  without.  "  In  his  lordship's  name !  Open, 
or  force  will  be  used."  Why  had  the  summons  for  the  day  been 
anticipated?  The  unhappy  ravings  of  O'Hana  flashed  to  his 
mind.  lemon  no  longer  reasoned.  A  cunning  insane  light  was 
in  his  eyes.  Softly  he  made  his  way  to  the  aniado  fronting  on 
the  garden.  No  one  was  without.  In  the  rain  and  storm  he 
might  escape.  Traversing  the  darkness  he  noted,  however,  the 
man  posted  at  the  gate  in  the  rear.  Springing  on  the  roof  of  the- 
shed  he  looked  over  into  Teramachi.  It  was  deserted.  With  the 
bloody   sword   he   hacked   off   the   sharp   points   of   the   bamboo 


236  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

stakes.  They  now  aided  his  flight  over  the  wall.  He  cast  the 
weapon  aside.  In  a  few  minutes  he  disappeared  in  rapid  flight 
down  the  street.  When  Katada  Tatewaki,  accompanied  by  his 
men,  at  last  broke  down  the  stout  resistance  oflfered  by  the  outer 
door  of  Tamiya  he  found  the  house  empty,  except  for  the  dead 
body  of  O'Hana,  lying  in  its  pool  of  blood.  She  was  still  warm. 
He  took  it  for  mere  murder,  giving  more  urgent  directions  for 
immediate  pursuit.  Methodically  he  searched  the  house,  down 
to  the  very  rubbish  pile.  The  seal  of  Tamiya  was  secured.  This 
meant  much.  With  sceptical  smile  he  handled  the  broken  bamboo 
stick  found  in  a  closet.  He  did  not  show  the  discovery  to  his 
men. 

Where  did  lemon  go?  The  unhappy  man  himself  could  not 
have  told  what  happened  in  the  intervening  days.  He  came  to 
consciousness  in  the  darkness  of  a  spring  night,  just  before  the 
dawn.  The  stars  were  beginning  to  pale  in  the  East.  The  land- 
scape had  the  livid  eerie  light  in  which  it  is  uncertain  whether  day 
or  night  is  to  be  the  issue.  With  surprise  lemon  looked  around 
him ;  then  shuddered.  The  stagnant  waters  of  Warigesui's  filthy 
stream  lay  beneath  him.  He  had  found  rest  on  the  bank,  at  the 
very  place  where  Chobei  had  died  under  his  hand. 

"  The  Sanzugawa — without  hills  or  bridges ; 
On  highway  traversed  by  the  dead,  flowers  there  are  none."  * 

The  yama  ( )i( )  refers  to  Yamada  Chobei ;  the  hashi  (  tjtI^I  )  to 

D 
Takahashi  lemon;  the  hana  (Z  /")  to  O'Hana,  the  wife  of  lemon. 

Such  was  the  then  interpretation  of  the  old  poem. 

lemon  could  go  no  further.  His  course  was  run.  He  knew 
it ;  but  how  end  life  ?  At  heart  he  was  an  arrant  coward.  Deter- 
mined to  cut  belly  he  drew  the  dagger  he  had  kept  with  him.  A 
shudder  went  through  him  at  sight  of  the  steel.    Ah !     Better  the 

^  Sanzngaiva  :  Yama  mo  nakereba,  hashi  mo  nashi;  shinde  no  tabiji  hana 
wa  nao  nashi.     Sanzugawa,  the  river  crossed  by  the  dead. 


SANZUGAWA  BRIDGELESS  '237 

green  slime  of  the  waters  below.  He  thrust  the  blade  back  into  its 
scabbard.  Moodily  standing  and  gazing  down,  he  gave  an  idle 
kick  to  a  stone  near  by.  Dislodged,  it  swayed,  then  rolled  heavily 
down  the  bank,  to  plunge  noisily  into  the  stream,  disturb  its 
noisome  depths.  The  effect  was  surprising.  Following  its  course 
with  his  eye  lemon  suddenly  gave  a  yell  of  horror.  Eyes  starting 
from  his  head,  arms  raised  high,  he  bent  toward  the  stream. 
Hair  standing  on  end  he  watched  the  hideous  object  rise  to  the 
surface.  The  face  of  Chobei,  purple  and  bloated,  the  lips  half 
gnawed  and  open  in  a  fiendish  grin,  looked  up  at  him.  Down 
came  the  arms,  and  lemon  put  hands  over  eye§  to  shut  .out  the 
fearful  vision.  A  horrid  curiosity  drove  him  again  to  view  it. 
Was  he  mad  ?  This  time  the  barrel  in  its  slow  revolution  brought 
to  view  the  wide  flat  face,  the  bulging  brow  and  heavy  lids,  the 
tangled,  disordered  hair  of  the  drowned  OTwa.  Scream  after 
scream  of  the  now  frantic  wretch  rang  in  the  air.  These  waters ! 
Seek  death  there  !  No  !  No  !  A  thousand  times — No  !  He 
turned  to  flee  the  place,  but  his  legs  refused  the  service.  With 
fell  purpose  he  ripped  the  blade  from  its  scabbard,  tore  open 
his  clothes  to  give  the  deadly  thrust.  As  he  raised  the  dagger 
invisible  hands  seized  his  arm.  When  he  would  release  it,  the 
other  arm  was  seized.  Everywhere  these  hands  held  him  fast.  He 
raged,  tore,  struggled  madly  to  elude  their  grasp.  Then,  over- 
come, he  fainted. 

Katada  Tatewaki  from  the  top  of  the  bank  had  been  watching 
the  struggle  of  his  men.  He  came  forward  and  looked  down  at 
the  bound  and  helpless  creature.  " 'Tis  he:  in  very  fact."  On 
order  a  bamboo  pole  was  fetched,  and  run  between  the  bound 
hands  and  feet.  Thus  like  some  beast  was  lemon  conveyed  to 
the  nearest  ward  office.  The  formalities  were  few  and  soon  over. 
To  avoid  chance  of  repetition  of  the  scene  they  conveyed  him  as 
he  was.  Thus  began  the  brutal  progress  across  Edo  in  full 
daylight.  People  turned  and  stared  after  this  escort  of  the  man- 
beast.     At  a  distance  they  took  the  burden  as  some  savage  bear. 


238  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

or  perhaps  one  of  those  reputed  "  tamtki "  so  noxious  in  their 
pranks  on  humankind.  Come  closer  it  was  seen  to  be  a  man. 
Any  mad  struggle  to  get  free  was  treated  to  spear  pricks  applied 
with  no  great  nicety  beyond  the  avoidance  of  serious  injury.  Vio- 
lent as  were  his  struggles  at  times,  it  is  doubtful  if  they  could 
have  walked  him  the  long  distance.  For  the  days  of  his  flight 
he  had  never  rested;  nor  had  these  men  in  his  pursuit.  Yet  he 
was  unexpected  game.  The  Yotsuya  alifair  was  taking  a  widening 
sweep.  Tamiya  Yoemon  and  Kondo  Rokurobei  were  under  ex- 
amination. The  death  of  a  girl  O'Haru  at  the  brothel  of  Toemon 
of  Honjo  had  unexpected  effects.  In  the  investigation  which  fol- 
lowed one  of  the  women,  O'Take,  had  made  full  confession. 
The  pedlar  Mobei  had  never  left  the  house  of  Toemon ;  never 
escaped  from  the  hospitality  of  O'Matsu.  His  goods  had  aroused 
her  cupidity.  The  man  died  by  poison,  and  was  buried  in  the 
garden  of  Toemon's  house.  O'Haru  knew  of  the  deed.  This 
knowledge  was  the  girl's  destruction.  The  wife  and  her  sub- 
stitute O'Kin  hated  O'Haru.  Some  remains  of  a  first  good  looks, 
her  youth,  gave  her  power  with  the  master  of  the  house.  The 
two  women  worked  on  his  fears  to  gain  consent  for  her  destruc- 
tion. A  charge  easily  was  trumped  up,  and  she  was  dragged 
off  to  the  cell  of  punishment.  Under  the  hands  of  the  wife  and 
O'Kin  she  suffered  so  that  she  died  in  three  days,  not  without 
letting  her  mate  O'Take  into  the  secret.  Promptly  the  Honjo 
police  were  at  work ;  not  more  prompt  than  was  the  woman 
O'Kin  to  disappear  from  Edo,  almost  a  confession  in  itself.  The 
rosary,  found  in  the  hands  of  the  rector  of  the  Reiganji,  was 
easily  traced  through  different  mediators  straight  to  O'Matsu  her- 
self. The  man  Toemon  held  out,  and  died  under  the  torture.  The 
woman  confessed;  and  in  her  confession  was  comprehended  the 
full  story  of  O'lwa's  connection  with  Toemon's  house.  Of  her  no 
more  need  be  said.  She  rotted  and  died  in  the  jail.  The  girls 
were  scattered  to  kindred  houses.  Two  of  the  women,  hunting 
their  pray  on  Warigesui  toward  the  yashiki  quarter,  had  wit- 


SANZUGAWA  BRIDGELESS  239 

nessed  the  murder  of  Chobei  three  nights  before.  The  police  had 
gone  to  secvire  the  body.  Tatewaki  Dono  was  notified  and  had 
accompanied  them.  To  the  surprise  of  all  lemon,  then  the  object 
of  earnest  search,  was  found  on  the  spot. 

The  affair  kept  on  spreading — to  the  very  source  of  all  these 
troubles.  Katada  Tatewaki  in  the  course  of  procedure  had  trans- 
mitted the  Tamiya  case  to  the  jurisdiction  of  the  macltibnc/xd  of 
the  North  district  of  Edo  town,  Homma  Iga  no  Kami.  With 
greatest  interest  the  two  men  in  company  poured  over  the  innu- 
merable documents  now  piling  up  in  the  case.  Old  Tamiya  Yoe- 
mon  proved  easy  game.  He  readily  confessed  all  he  knew. 
This  brought  in  many  witnesses  from  the  wardsmen.  It  was  not 
exactly  what  was  wanted.  The  evidence  was  mostly  mere  hearsay 
and  conjecture.  In  those  days  such  testimony  had  a  value  not  far 
below  that  of  direct  statement.  All  pointed  the  way  to  the  real 
criminal,  who  after  all  was  the  star  witness.  Against  Yoemon  at 
first  there  was  but  little.  However,  in  his  rage  against  lemon 
and  Kondo  Rokurobei — Akiyama  was  out  of  his  reach — his  tongue 
was  too  long.  The  faces  of  the  magistrates  grew  serious  as  his 
connection  with  the  money  lender  Suzuki  was  made  plain.  A 
saninrai  loaning  money  on  interest!  and  pressing  men  to  ruin  for 
payment ! !  The  stingy  avaricious  Yoemon  appeared  behind  the 
usurer — until  in  time  his  own  heavy  losses  had  made  him  a  bor- 
rower, and  placed  him  in  the  hands  of  his  once  partner.  Yoe- 
mon, together  with  the  conspirators,  was  not  allowed  to  participate 
in  the  forced  restitution  made  by  Suzuki.  Nevertheless,  at  the 
time  no  great  severity  was  shown  the  old  man.  He  was  remanded 
to  the  custody  of  his  bail,  to  be  kept  confined  to  one  room  in  the 
house. 

The  same  leniency  was  shown  toward  Rokurobei.  When  he 
showed  a  disposition  to  be  recalcitrant,  to  equivocate,  Homma 
gave  sign  to  the  dosJiin.  Quickly  the  scourgers  came  forward 
with  their  fearful  instrument,  the  niadake.  Made  of  bamboo 
split  into  long  narrow   strips,   these  tightly  wrapped   in  twisted 


240  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

hempen  cord  to  the  thickness  of  a  sun  (inch),  with  the  convenient 
leverage  of  a  couple  of  shakn  (feet),  the  mere  sight  brought 
Kondo  to  terms.  As  he  entered  he  had  seen  them  lead  away  a 
heimin  (commoner)  who  had  undergone  the  punishment.  The 
man's  back,  a  mass  of  bruised  and  bleeding  flesh,  was  vivid  to 
mind.  At  once  he  prostrated  himself ;  made  full  confession.  At 
last  they  were  at  the  source.  Kondo  was  a  witness  of  the  fact. 
He  could  and  did  tell  of  the  inception  and  progress  of  the  whole 
plot  against  O'lwa  San,  the  source  of  untold  woe  to  Yotsuya. 
His  story  covered  the  period  from  the  entrance  of  lemon  into  the 
ward  up  to  the  discovery  of  the  body  of  Kamikura  Goemon.  The 
role  played  by  Kazaguruma  Chobei  was  in  part  dark  to  him.  Of 
the  disposition  of  OTwa  to  the  Honjo  master  of  the  Yotaka  he 
pleaded  ignorance.  Tatewaki  Dono  smiled  as  he  counselled  indul- 
gence on  this  point.    He  knew. 

Kondo,  however,  was  sent  back  to  the  jail.  He  was  unques- 
tionably a  principal.  At  last  it  was  the  turn  of  lemon.  The  weeks 
had  passed.  The  body  had  been  carefully  nursed  back  to  vigour. 
The  mind  was  in  lamentable  state.  The  ill-meant  efforts  of  the  jail 
authorities,  the  strengthening  of  the  criminal  in  order  better  to 
endure  the  torture  to  the  confession  point,  were  somewhat  baffled 
by  the  nightly  visions  of  the  wretched  man.  The  two  hags,  OTwa 
and  O'Mino;  Chobei  in  his  final  stage  of  purple  bloatedness; 
these  were  his  nightly  companions,  to  torment  and  harass  him. 
Sleep!  If  he  could  but  close  his  eyes  to  shut  out  these  horrors! 
Instead  they  became  more  vivid.  The  jailors  put  him  at  the 
farthest  corner  of  their  ample  premises.  His  fellow  prisoners, 
such  as  were  allowed  daily  exit  to  the  yard,  visited  him  with  blows 
and  foul  insults  for  the  disturbance  he  created  in  the  night. 
But  he  was  cunning  withal.  Trapped  as  he  was,  in  his  lucid 
moments  he  realized  that  there  could  be  but  little  against  him. 
OTwa  ?  Not  even  in  Tokugawa  times  was  the  supernatural  cause 
of  prosecution  except  at  the  hands  of  the  vulgar.  Nor  in  those 
days,  any  more  than  in  these  of  Taisho  nengo,  was  a  wife  legally 


SANZUGAWA  BRIDGELESS  241 

protected  against  abuse  of  husband  or  parents-in-law.  As  for 
Chobei — he  was  dead.  His  own  presence  on  the  scene  was  no 
evidence  against  him  as  murderer.  His  only  misgivings  on  that 
point  lay  in  the  confusion  of  mind  as  to  the  few  days  then  covered. 
But  who  would  blame  a  samurai  for  testing  his  blade  on  a  beggar  f 
What  were  beggars  for?  He  knew  nothing  of  the  evidence  given 
by  Yoemon  and  Kondo ;  of  the  vile  proof  in  the  hands  of  Katada 
Dono.  He  had  wholly  forgotten  the  nurse  who  had  listened  to  the 
wild  ravings  of  O'Hana  in  her  illness,  broken  sentences  bearing  so 
heavily  and  dove-tailing  so  nicely  into  the  completed  case.  Owing 
to  this  woman  Tatewaki  Dono  had  not  waited  the  appearance  of 
lemon  at  morning.  lemon  also  left  out  of  account  the  characters 
of  the  two  men  before  whom  he  appeared.  Iga  no  Kami  sat  as 
judge  in  the  case.  Close  beside  him,  a  little  in  the  rear,  sat 
Katada  Tatewaki,  in  whose  jurisdiction  the  case  had  originated, 
and  who  was  familiar  with  every  stage.  The  four  doshin  sat  to 
one  side  and  the  other  of  these  two  men. 

Homma  and  Katada  were  typical  of  their  caste.  Cold,  callous, 
cruel,  devoted  rigidly  to  the  formula;  of  the  samurai  code,  with 
strange  exceptions  granted  to  the  virtues  required  of  the  common 
people — filial  conduct  and  unswerving  obedience  to  a  superior — 
they  were  not  men  likely  to  regard  with  favour  this  intruder  into 
their  class.  The  name  of  samurai  had  been  brought  into  contempt. 
Hence  the  serious  character  of  the  offence,  the  necessity  of  sever- 
est scrutiny.  To  the  valued  suggestion  of  Tatewaki,  Iga  no  Kami 
nodded  assent.  lemon  thought  of  nothing  but  the  murder  of 
Chobei,  the  abuse  of  his  wife  OTwa,  the  conspiracy  against  her 
life  and  honour.  The  first  question  paralyzed  his  defence.  Was 
he  not  the  son  of  Takahashi  Daihachiro?  The  whole  terrible 
vista  of  the  consequences  of  avowal  appeared  before  him,  once 
himself  a  doshin  and  familiar  with  legal  procedure.  The  family 
had  suffered  kaieki  (deprivation  of  rights).  It  had  been  degraded 
from  the  caste.  Properly  speaking  lemon  was  an  intruder  into 
the  samurai  class.  He  was  an  impostor.  His  offence  was  against 
Id 


242  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

the  suzerain  lord,  the  Shogun.  All  the  terrible  penalties  of  treason 
hung  over  him.  Tatewaki  had  been  quick  to  note  the  opportunity 
to  take  this  case  out  of  the  category  of  offence  by  a  samurai. 
lemon  was  a  plebeian  and  a  charlatan.  He  had  insulted  Govern- 
ment. At  the  stumbling  denial  quick  order  w^as  given.  A  yakunin 
seized  the  rope  and  dragged  down  the  head  of  lemon.  ♦Others 
held  him  at  the  sides,  to  maintain  the  body  rigid.  Stout  fellows, 
the  pick  of  the  jailors,  came  forward.  With  ferocious  regularity 
the  blows  fell.  Welts  at  once  appeared.  Soon  the  blood  was 
trickling  from  the  torn  skin.  There  was  no  sign  to  mitigate  the 
severity  of  the  infliction.  When  at  the  seventieth  blow  the  body 
collapsed  in  a  faint  the  wretched  man  was  a  terrible  sight.  The 
attendants  of  the  jail,  witnesses  of  the  full  punishment  of  double 
the  number  of  stripes,  had  rarely  seen  such  severity  exercised. 
The  jailors  hated  this  smooth  fellow,  this  disturber  of  their  peace. 
They  kept  a  jail,  not  a  madhouse.  Their  superiors  showed  no 
sign  of  the  mercy  of  renewed  questioning.  Hence  they  would 
change  the  mad  nightly  ravings  to  the  subdued  groans  of  the 
punished. 

The  days  passed  and  his  body  had  healed,  though  movement 
caused  pain  and  distress.  Brought  again  before  the  judges  at 
the  very  sight  of  the  scourges  he  screamed  out  confession.  Ques- 
tioned as  to  the  conspiracy  against  the  caste,  his  fraudulent  attempt 
to  consummate  marriage  with  a  samiirai  woman — the  actual  fact 
or  legality  of  it  was  ignored — his  ill-treatment  and  sale  of  her ;  all 
these  in  terror  he  denied.  Once  he  had  looked  upon  banishment 
from  Edo  as  the  limit  of  his  punishment.  Now  decapitation 
would  be  a  merciful  end.  He  strove  to  secure  the  favour  of  a 
quick  and  painless  death.  Again  he  was  beaten  almost  to  a  jelly. 
He  clung  to  his  denial,  so  important  was  the  issue.  At  the  next 
appearance  he  was  seized  and  dragged  to  a  post  fixed  in  the 
ground  not  far  from  the  judge's  seat.  His  knees  were  pressed 
down  on  the  edges  of  the  triangular  bars.  These  formed  a  sort 
of  grid,  the  edges  of  the  bars  being  just  enough  blunted  to  avoid 


SANZUGAWA  BRIDGELESS  243 

cutting  the  skin.  None  of  the  pain  was  spared,  yet  the  prisoner 
remained  fit  for  early  future  torture.  The  granite  slabs  were  then 
piled  on  his  knees.  Each  one  weighed  thirteen  kzvan  (107  lbs.). 
As  the  fifth  slab  was  placed  on  the  body  of  lemon,  the  flesh 
assumed  a  reddish  tint  from  the  impeded  circulation.  Froth 
stained  his  mouth,  mucus  ran  from  his  nose.  A  sixth,  a  seventh 
stone,  were  placed.  "  How  now  !  How  now  !  "  The  men  pressed 
heavily  on  the  stones.  A  doshin  bent  over  him,  listening  and  wait- 
ing for  sign  of  the  important  confession.  The  criminal  was  the 
one  important  witness  of  Tokugawa  penal  law.  Without  confes- 
sion he  was  innocent  beyond  all  other  proof.  As  the  eighth  stone 
was  placed  lemon  began  to  vomit  blood.  The  doctor  raised  his 
hand.  The  feet  were  showing  signs  of  blackness,  which  rapidly 
spread  upward.  The  man  was  in  a  dead  faint.  No  confession 
had  been  secured. 

Perhaps  the  examination  was  thus  conducted  out  of  some 
severity.  Days  passed.  Whether  or  not  the  report  of  the  phy- 
sician was  unfavourable,  influenced  by  some  means  Homma 
had  fear  the  man  might  die  before  a  public  retribution  was  secured. 
When  lemon  again  was  dragged  before  his  judges  he  had  a  ter- 
rible object  lesson  before  him.  A  man  was  undergoing  the 
torture  of  the  lobster.  Hands  drawn  up  behind  to  the  shoulders, 
the  feet  tightly  bound  across  the  chest,  he  was  propped  up  on  a 
mat.  Properly  conducted  this  "  effort  to  persuade  "  took  place 
in  the  jail.  Homma  wished  to  try  the  efifect  of  anticipation  on 
lemon.  The  prisoner  looked  quickly  at  the  man  under  torture, 
then  hung  down  his  head.  His  lips  were  twitching  with  uncer- 
tainty. Homma  struck  hard — "  Why  deny  the  plain  fact  ?  Is 
justice  so  ignorant  of  the  doings  and  whereabouts  of  a  scamp. 
Kichitaro,  or  Kazuma  the  diviner,  as  he  called  himself,  murders 
Chobei  the  pimp;  a  deed  carried  out  before  witnesses."  A  dosJiin 
placed  the  document  of  the  confession  of  the  whores  so  that 
lemon  had  no  difficulty  in  ascertaining  its  title.  "And  why? 
Because  of  the  agreement  with  Chobei  to  sell  the  woman  he  dared 


244  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

to  call  his  wife.  The  proof?  The  seal  of  Tamiya,  the  document 
itself."  At  last  lemon  looked  up.  The  doshin  placed  under  his 
eyes  the  fatal  contract  with  Chobei — agreement  of  exchange  of 
the  body  of  the  woman  in  return  for  five  ryo  duly  received.  It 
had  been  recovered  from  the  dead  pimp's  corpse.  Carefully 
wrapped  in  oiled  paper,  Chobei  had  carried  it — sewn  in  what  he 
called  his  dress.  lemon  unwilling  to  recognize  past  services, 
Chobei  was  sure  to  find  it  useful.  Truly  lemon  was  young  and 
impatient,  and  Chobei  was  double  his  age.  With  bitterness  the 
survivor  recognized  this  primal  fact. 

lemon's  eyes  wandered  from  the  paper  to  the  thief  under 
torture.  The  dark  green  of  the  body  was  rapidly  changing. 
The  doctor  present  gave  a  quick  frightened  sign.  Skilful  hands 
at  once  cast  loose  the  bonds.  Over  toppled  the  body.  lemon 
noted  the  white,  almost  livid,  colour  of  death.  Restoratives  were 
applied.  All  were  busied  with  bringing  the  man  back  to  life. 
Then  he  was  carried  ofif,  expression  so  unlike  that  of  a  human 
being  that  the  less  hardened  shuddered.  Said  Homma — "  No  con- 
fession yet  ?  "  He  raised  his  hand  to  make  a  sign.  lemon  knew 
the  quickness  of  response.  He  almost  screamed  his  appeal  for 
further  respite.  The  Law  had  triumphed.  As  lemon  put  his 
thumb  seal  to  the  confession  of  guilt  to  insolence  (futodoki)  the 
magistrates  rose  and  disappeared.  "  Futodoki  " — they  and  he 
knew  that  it  meant  the  death  sentence.^ 

'  A  fourth  form  of  torture  was  suspension — ^an  exaggerated  infliction 
of  "  the  lobster."  These  official  forms  are  described  by  J.  Carey  Hall  in 
the  transactions  of  the  Asiatic  Society  of  Japan,  vol.  XLL,  Part  V.  The 
native  references  are  the  "  Tokugawa  Seikei  Shiryo,"  "  Keizai  Dai  Hiroku," 
"  Kojiki  Ruihi  Horitsu-bu."  Cf  article  on  Gomon  in  the  "  Kokushi  Dai 
Jiten."  There  were  other  forms.  In  the  examination  into  the  famous  con- 
spiracy of  Yui  Shdsetsu  (1651  A.  D.)  no  confession  could  be  secured  from 
Yoshida  Hatsuemon.  He  was  brought  out,  to  find  his  thirteen-year-old 
son  Hachitaro  undergoing  the  torture  of  dropping  water.  At  the  last  ex- 
tremities the  boy  pleaded  for  mercy.  His  father  drily  told  him  to  act  the 
samurai,  and  not  to  imperil  the  lives  of  others.  It  was  different  with 
Matsubayashi  Chuya  (really  the  last  heir  of  the  famous  Chosokabe  House 


SANZUGAWA  BRIDGELESS  245 

Judgment  was  not  delayed.  The  next  day  Homma,  with 
Katada  and  an  officer  of  the  Shogun's  household  present,  gave 
sentence.  Yoemon  and  Rokur5bei  glared  hate  at  lemon  who 
squatted  with  head  bent  to  the  ground.  The  sword — that  now  was 
his  only  hope.  The  first  words  of  Homma  showed  that  no  mercy 
was  to  be  dealt  out  in  this  case.  Suzuki  the  plebeian  merely  suf- 
fered stripes  and  banishment  from  Edo.  He  had  to  make  resti- 
tution to  the  amount  of  his  property — such  as  was  left  after  pay- 
ing the  huge  fine  to  Government.  Tamiya  Yoemon  and  Kondo 
Rokurobei  underwent  degradation  from  the  caste.  There  was  no 
disposition  to  overlook  the  offence  of  usury.  Beggary  was  to  be 
the  portion  of  Yoemon,  the  destitution  of  the  outcast.  For  some 
years  the  senile  old  man,  the  virago  of  a  woman  once  the  wife  of 
Kondo  Rokurobei,  were  stationed  at  the  Niomon,  to  attract  and 
amuse  the  worshippers  passing  up  to  the  great  temple  of  the  Asa- 
kusa  Kwannon.  Not  for  long  could  the  woman  hold  her  tongue. 
Abuse  passed  with  the  sun's  height  to  blows,  and  the  by-standers 
had  to  interfere  and  rescue  the  old  man  from  the  severe  beating. 
It  was  to  the  profit,  rather  than  disadvantage,  of  the  temple.  The 
pair  were  an  added  attraction.  The  priests  left  interference  to 
those  at  hand.  Then  the  old  man  disappeared ;  to  ornament  the 
highway  with  his  corpse,  or  be  cast  on  the  moor,  food  for  dogs  and 
crows.  Such  probably  was  the  end  of  Tamiya  Yoemon.  The 
woman  had  not  been  seen  for  some  months.  Her  abilities  as  scold 
had  attracted  those  qualified  to  judge;  her  transfer  to  the  posi- 
tion of  bawd  in  a  low-class  house  of  the  neighbouring  Yoshiwara 
soon  followed. 

Kondo  Rokurobei  fared  tolerably  well,  considering  his  deserts. 
His  confession  had  been  a  great  aid  in  unravelling  the  case.  He 
was  not  sentenced  to  cut  belly.     Degraded  he  heard  with  dismay 

of  Tosa).  At  sight  of  his  old,  white  haired,  white  faced,  jail  wearied 
mother  threatened  with  the  fire  torture,  he  did  for  her  what  he  would  not 
do  for  himself.  The  old  woman  wiUingly  would  have  undergone  the 
torture.     Chuya's  confession  cost  the  lives  of  seventy-five  men. 


246  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

the  sentence  of  deportation  and  exile  to  the  far  distant  island  of 
Sado.  At  this  savage  place,  subject  to  the  hell  of  a  Siberian 
winter  and  the  intense  heats  of  the  summer,  the  once  pampered 
man  lived  out  his  last  days,  few  and  evil.  He  who  had  passed  the 
time  idling  with  tea-cup,  or  go,  or  flower  arrangement,  and  taking 
enjoyment  in  the  freshness  and  coolness  of  his  garden  at  the 
Yotsuyazaka,  at  fifty  years  now  tried  to  lead  the  hard  and  dan- 
gerous life  of  the  wild  fishing  population  among  whom  he  was 
unceremoniously  cast.  Such  life  was  soon  forbidden  him.  He 
was  but  in  the  road.  Then  he  did  such  clerical  duties  as  the 
village  at  times  needed.  A  wife  even  was  provided  for  him. 
The  final  blow  was  a  palsy,  cutting  ofif  all  effort  at  making  a  liveli- 
hood. Beatings  now  took  the  place  of  food.  The  villagers  laughed 
when  they  heard  of  the  old  man's  fall  from  a  cliff.  They,  too, 
would  have  acted  as  had  the  brothers  of  O'Nabe  (stew  pan). 
They  took  the  word  for  the  deed ;  and  at  the  cliff  foot  near 
Negai  they  erected  a  wooden  shrine  to  propitiate  the  spirit  of 
"  Jiya  Rokuro." 

The  day  of  execution  had  come.  When  sentenced,  bound 
as  he  was  lemon  struggled  forward  to  plead  for  mercy,  respite 
from  the  barbarous  punishment  to  be  inflicted  on  the  traitor.  His 
reward  was  the  cangue  and  bamboo  saw — nokogirihiki;  failing 
death  by  this,  he  was  to  be  crucified.  The  attendants  fell  on  him. 
Kicks  and  blows  had  little  effect  on  the  man  frantic  with  terror. 
He  almost  reached  the  roka  at  which  sat  Homma.  Then  madly 
struggling  he  was  carried  off  to  the  jail.  Said  a  doshin — "  His 
antics  in  the  cangue  will  find  small  scope."  The  last  clause  of 
the  sentence  was  due  to  the  notorious  unwillingness  of  any 
passer-by  to  give  a  cut.  The  punishment  had  lapsed  since  the 
days  of  the  third  Shogun,  and  was  no  more  successful  in  lemon's 
case.  Placed  in  the  cangue  at  the  execution  ground  of  Shinagawa 
a  cut  was  made  in  each  side  of  his  neck.  Smeared  with  blood 
the  bamboo  saw  was  placed  on  the  cangue  in  inviting  proximity 
to  the  head.     For  five  hours  people  passed,  with  curious  glances. 


SANZUGAWA  BRIDGELESS  247 

but  no  movement  to  release  the  criminal.  An  Eta  (outcast) 
butcher  sidled  up.  The  guards  watched  him  with  curiosity.  Pick- 
ing up  the  saw  he  made  one  pass.  At  the  yell  given  by  lemon  he 
dropped  the  implement  and  fled  in  terror,  amid  the  laughter  of 
guards  and  by-standers.  Toward  the  hour  of  the  sheep  (i  p.m.) 
a  yoriki  with  his  doshin  appeared.  On  signal  the  cangue  was 
removed.  Inert  limbs  feebly  twitching  lemon  was  bound  tight  to 
the  double  cross,  his  legs  and  arms  stretched  wide  apart.  This 
was  raised,  and  again  the  hours  passed  in  miserable  waiting  for 
a  death  which  seemed  to  recede.  If  unconsciousness  threatened  he 
was  given  vinegar  to  drink  as  restorative.  His  fevered  lips 
eagerly  sought  the  fluid  and  prolonged  his  torture.  In  the  spring 
light  the  days  were  long.  As  the  sun  was  about  to  set  the  officer 
gave  command.  A  doshin  came  forward  to  the  cross  and  made 
a  sign.  A  guard  thrust  his  spear  upward  into  the  belly  of  lemon. 
The  limbs  made  a  movement,  as  in  attempt  to  be  drawn  up.  A 
guard  on  the  other  side  in  turn  made  a  thrust.  Others  followed. 
For  some  moments  they  continued  their  sport,  the  reward  of  long 
waiting.  The  man  was  not  yet  dead.  Impatient  the  doshin  gave 
the  shaft  of  a  spear  a  violent  upward  thrust.  Its  point  appeared 
through  the  left  shoulder.  The  head  fell  forward  on  the  breast 
and  hung  limp.     lemon  was  dead. 

4:  ^  H<  :):  ^  H^  ^ 

These  events  could  not  be  let  pass  without  notice  from  either 
the  pious  or  the  timorous.  Kyoho  2nd  year  2nd  month  22nd 
day  (3rd  April,  1717)  the  Inari  shrine  built  to  propitiate  the 
fearful  Lady  of  Tamiya  was  opened  to  worship  with  due  cere- 
monies. It  had  been  erected  on  the  ground  of  the  house  once 
occupied  by  Matazaemon,  facing  on  Teramachi  and  on  the  narrow 
street  paralleling  Samonchd  to  the  East.  It  was  almost  opposite 
the  entrance  to  the  Shogwanji.  At  the  family  temple,  the  Myo- 
gyoji,  on  the  Samegabashi  side,  a  grave  and  stela  was  set  up. 
With  time,  however,  the  opposition  made  itself  felt.  It  was 
asserted  that  the  Lady  OTwa  still  walked  the  ward,  inflicting 


248  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

pains  and  penalties  on  the  inhabitants  thereof.  Triumphant  refer- 
ence was  made  to  recent  pubHc  disasters — of  plague,  pestilence, 
famine,  and  tax  levies.  The  shrine  was  invitation  for  her  pres- 
ence. People  had  grown  indifferent  as  the  new  paint  grew  old, 
then  shabby  on  the  once  famous  miya.  Success  lay  with  the  oppo- 
sition, and  abolition  of  shrine  and  grave  was  easily  enforced.  It 
was  but  for  a  time.  The  ward  was  either  equally,  or  more, 
unfortunate  without  the  protection  of  its  tutelary  Inari  shrine. 
Just  when  it  was  re-established  cannot  be  stated,  but  in  the  late 
eighteenth  century  it  was  most  flourishing.  It  was  a  favourite 
resort  of  samurai  women,  seeking  consolation  for  unfaithful  or 
brutal  conduct  of  their  husbands,  and  strength  in  the  reputation 
for  chastity  of  the  famous  Lady  of  Tamiya.  In  1825  the  third 
Kikugoro  made  Yotsuya  famous  by  his  presentation  of  the  "  Yot- 
suya  Kwaidan  "  as  written  for  the  stage  by  Tsuruya  Namboku 
(Katsu  Byozo).  In  the  first  years  of  the  Meiji  restoration  period 
Shunkintei  Ryu5,  the  famous  story-teller,  heralded  its  renown  in 
the  Shin  Yoshiwara.  O'lwa  San  became  a  feature  of  the  Konha- 
ruko  fete  of  that  quarter.  A  grave  was  again  erected  to  her  at 
the  Myogyoji.  As  she  had  no  kaimyo,  or  posthumous  name,  the 
rector  of  the  temple  gave  her  that  of  "  Tokusho-In  Myonen 
Hisho  Daishi,"  which  can  be  interpreted — "  She,  pleasing  of  dis- 
position and  earnest  in  prayer;  a  woman  of  greatest  brilliance." 
Let  the  reader  not  judge  this  composition  harshly;  or  its  truth. 

The  editor  to  the  reproduction  ^  of  Ryuo's  story  speaks  of  his 
difficulties.  Placed  in  his  hand  for  judgment  he  saw  at  once  the 
power  of  the  tale.  But — how  avoid  incurring  the  divine  anger 
of  the  Yotsuya  Inari ;  how  avoid  being  charged  with  the  divine 
punishment  ?  This  question  was  solved  by  the  publisher  assuming 
the  burden  of  both  inflictions ;  under  the  spur  of  what  he  re- 
garded as  publication  in  inferior  and  untrue  form.  He  answered 
these  questions   with   a  laugh — "  Afraid  ?     Not   so :   I,   too,   am 

*  Hif umikwan  (Tokyo),  Meiji  29th  year  2d  month  15th  day  (28th 
March,  1896). 


SANZUGAWA  BRIDGELESS  249 

human.  Though  the  unusual  is  an  object,  yet  I  would  not  rejoice 
at  incurring  the  divine  anger  by  publishing  what  should  not  be 
published.  Though  the  divine  anger  be  incurred  by  publishing 
the  Yotsuya  Kwaidan,  and  the  divine  punishment  be  inflicted, 
yet  who  would  not  gladden  the  eyes  and  ears  of  the  land  ?  Hence 
in  haste  the  true  record  is  to  be  printed;  owing  to  emission  of 
unfounded  stories.  The  true  record  being  put  forth,  the  people 
profit  by  it.  How  then  is  the  divine  wrath  incurred  by  publica- 
tion? Certainly  not:  the  protection  of  the  divine  one  is  secured." 
The  editor  trusted  in  his  argument ;  as  does  the  present  scribe. 

More  than  once  the  remark  has  been  heard  as  to  these  shrines 
of  Nippon — "  Their  temples?  Those  dirty,  shabby  places,  without 
architecture  or  interest,  the  haunts  of  snotty,  ragged  children?" 
The  sun-helmeted  gentleman  and  lady,  or  collection  of  their  kind, 
rush  them  by  in  haughty  contempt,  and  with  some  ridicule  and 
ridiculous  comment.  Good  Sir  and  Madame,  you  are  passing  his- 
tory on  the  road.  At  this  Kwogwanji,  in  its  rather  shabby  guest 
hall,  Kusonoki  Masashige  and  his  devoted  followers  spoke  their 
last  defiance  and  then  cut  belly.  Kobe?  It  is  noted  as  a  place 
to  take  ship,  and  not  be  too  long  in  doing  so.  This  other,  barely 
a  mile  from  the  Tokyo-Yokohama  railway,  is  contemporary  record 
of  Nitta  Yoshioka,  who  carved  his  bloody  protest  on  the  Ashi- 
kaga  before  he  killed  himself  in  the  trap  set  by  their  treachery 
at  this  spot.  Here  behind  the  Koraiji  near  Oiso  is  a  very  shabby 
and  tiny  shrine  nestled  at  the  foot  of  the  cliff.  This  had  better  be 
avoided.  It  is  dedicated  to  the  small-pox  god.  But  more  than 
history  is  neglected  in  the  indifference  and  contempt  shown  these 
minor  miya.  A  vein  of  thought  inwoven  into  the  minds  of  this 
strange  people  is  instanced  by  this  modest  shrine  of  the  Tamiya 
Inari.  Wandering  along  the  amusement  quarter  of  some  great 
city,  a  theatre  is  seen  with  a  torii  gorgeous  in  its  red  paint  standing 
before  the  entrance.  Within  this  entrance  is  a  small  shrine  and 
a  box  for  the  practical  offerings  of  cash  or  commodities.  The 
theatre  is  decorated  inside  and  outside  with  flags  as  for  a  festival 


250  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

(matsitri).  Such  is  actually  in  progress.  The  representation  is 
that  of  the  Yotsuya  Kwaidan.  From  manager  and  actor  (even 
in  the  presentation  of  the  figured  screen  of  the  moving  picture) 
the  malevolence  of  the  O'lwa  Inari — the  Fox-witched  O'lwa — 
is  to  be  averted.  Hence  all  the  signs  of  worship  as  at  her  very 
shrine;  hence  the  unwillingness  of  author  or  publisher  to  handle 
the  story,  at  least  in  its  full  form.  This  is  but  a  remnant  of  the 
fear  of  "  black  magic  "  still  found  and  practised  in  Nippon.  On 
the  beach  at  Kamakura  at  times  can  be  found  straw  chaplets  with 
gaudy  cloth  attached  to  the  centre ;  a  copper  coin,  and  rice  offering 
are  accompaniments.  Or  such  will  be  found  at  the  crossroads 
of  town  or  village,  or  on  the  Yokohama  Bluff.  Or  in  times  of 
epidemic  in  numbers  they  are  laid  on  the  wayside  shrine  of  the 
god  of  measles  or  other  disease.  The  latter  disposition  conveys 
its  own  warning ;  the  others  are  majinai  or  charms  by  which  it  is 
hoped  to  transfer  the  disease  to  some  other  child,  thus  insuring 
the  cure  of  the  first  sufferer.  The  coin  has  been  rubbed  on  the 
body  of  the  little  patient.  Dogs  usually  dispose  of  the  food  offer- 
ing; and  passing  children  are  only  too  likely  to  pick  up  the 
nefarious  coin.  The  road  cleaner  comes  along  at  his  rare  intervals 
and  sweeps  the  chaplet  into  the  hole  for  refuse.  It  is  to  be  re- 
gretted that  the  ignorance  and  malevolence  indicated  by  these 
chafms  cannot  as  easily  be  gathered  in  and  disposed  of.  With 
these  remarks  the  Yotsuya  Kwaidan  and  its  tale  of  ill-fortune  is 
brought  to  an  end. 

Yokohama, 

5th  June-4th  July, 

1916. 

Finis 


APPENDICES 
A 

[In  printed  copies  of  the  gidayu  the  characters  are  to  be  dis- 
tinguished by  their  theme,  only  the  term  kotoba  is  used  to  mark  a 
speaker.  The  shading  into  descriptive  writing  is  at  times  vague. 
In  the  present  translation  the  characters  are  indicated.  The  orig- 
inal figures  in  most  gidayu  collections.  C£.,  "  Gidayu  Hyakuban," 
p.  271.] 

The  Gidayu : 

Tsuruya  Namboku  was  a  writer  of  drama.  Many  are  the 
persons  called  Namboku.  The  three  preceding  generations  were 
actors  who  played  in  buffoon  parts.  In  the  fourth  generation 
for  the  first  time  was  taken  up  the  literary  work  of  play-writing. 
The  Namboku  in  the  fourth  generation,  Yomyo  Genzo,  later 
known  as  Inosuke,  was  born  at  Motohamacho.  The  father  car- 
ried on  the  business  of  katatsuki  dyer,  (handling  the  cloth  to  be 
more  or  less  gaily  patterned).  Anei  4th  year  (1775),  entering 
at  the  Kanai  Sansho  no  Mon  he  (Ydmyd)  took  the  name  of  Katsu 
Byozo.  Later  he  received  the  name  of  Nan  Tsuruya  Boku.  When 
he  became  a  playwright  he  was  about  fifty  years  old.  His  plays 
are  most  ingenious,  and  are  very  numerous.  Among  them  are 
the  "  Osome  Hisomatsu,"  "  Iro-yomi-uri,"  "  Sumidagawa  Hana 
Gosho,"  "  Yotsuya  Kwaidan."  In  the  playhouse  they  are  known 
(collectively)  as  the  "  Namboku  Mono." 

Iemon  Sumika  no  Dan 

(Scene  in  the  house  of  lemon) 

Now  to  present  it : — Already  on  that  day — ko,  ko — the  bell 

of  sunset  had  issued  its  call.     In  the  hedges  were  heard  sounds 

of  the  swarms  of  insects.     Still  more  lonely  was  the  deserted 

251 


252  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

mansion.  O'lwa,  disturbed,  anxious,  when  was  her  countenance 
to  be  open,  her  breast  cleared  of  its  darkness  ?  She  brought  forth 
the  andon;  took  out  the  sulphured  slivers  of  wood  from  the  box 
holding  steel,  flint,  and  tinder.  In  the  depths  of  her  husband's 
mind  no  flowers  bloomed.  She  thought  it  was  her  woman's  tem- 
perament that  made  her  brood.  In  her  anxiety  she  gave  expres- 
sion to  her  gloom : 

O'lwa — "Truly  as  'tis  said,  it  is  a  fleeting  world;  the  flowing 
of  water  the  future  of  men.  Before  this  I  performed  the  service 
of  the  inner  apartments  of  the  Hosokawa  House.  The  marriage ! 
Connected  in  thought  with  lemon  Dono  the  honoured  dismissal 
was  requested,  that  I  should  become  a  bride.  Without  fortune  is 
that  Inosuke,  heir  of  the  master,  such  object  of  delight  to  bring 
him  to  maturity.  In  the  end  all  affection  is  absent.  Nerve-racked 
from  birth,  with  the  pains  of  child-birth,  the  blood  clot,  such  sick- 
ness has  seized  upon  me.  Then  suddenly — one  without  a  home, 
shorn  of  all  ornament.  Overcome  completely  by  the  struggle, 
effort  and  end  have  culminated.  Parent  and  child,  husband  and 
wife,  these  (relations)  master  this  self.  Detested  is  the  fleeting 
world,  gloomy  one's  existence." 

As  she  pondered,  unbidden  the  tears  mingled  with  her  depression. 
Without  restraint,  gradually  rising-rising-rising,  mounted  the 
flow  of  blood : 

O'lwa — "  Ah  !  Ah  !  Again  the  ever-present  disease  shows  itself. 
Deign — a  remedy  !  Oh  !  Oh  !  That !  That !  That  same  remedy 
of  aforetime,  stirred  and  mingled  with  pure  water.  Two  sips, 
three  sips;  if  one  drinks  poison — one  becomes  divine;  life  comes 
to  an  end,  but  pity  is  aroused." 

The  curtain  before  the  dressing  room  was  gently  raised.     With- 
out speaking  Gombei  seated  himself  close  to  O'lwa. 
"  Eh!    Who  is  that?    lya !    No  one  is  announced.     Hana,  I  say! 
Hana,  I  say!     Oh!     'Tis  he — of  all  men!     Gombei  San,  has  he, 
come  again?    Vengeance  is  satisfied,  no  longer  exists." 
As  she  would  depart  he  held  her  sleeve  to  stop  her. 


APPENDICES  253 

Gombei — "  Ah  !  Ah  !  I  say — please  wait.  A  Uttle  while  ago, 
at  lemon's  coughing  and  clearing  his  throat,  I  was  frightened  away. 
Trembling,  at  that  time  I  went  round  to  the  rear.  Thinking  him 
really  absent,  with  stealth  I  have  entered.  The  motive  of  a  man 
lies  at  the  bottom  of  the  heart.  Just  think  to  grant  me  a  little 
affection.  Alas !  Ma !  Submitting  it  is  deigned  to  hear  what  I 
have  to  say.  Heigh !  A  woman  like  this,  her  whole  mind  on 
lemon,  she  would  be  the  chaste  wife.  But  the  affections  of  lemon 
are  elsewhere,  far  distant.  Ya  !  Hoi !  Hoi !  Hoi !  To  fly  !  Ho  ! 
Ho  !  Ho  !  Ho  !  Ho  !  Oh  !  Moreover  the  disposition  of  Gombei 
is  not  wicked.  He  seeks  to  be  the  husband.  Other  purpose  there 
is  none.    Condescend  to  be  easy  in  mind." 

But  his  words  carry  no  weight.  The  face  of  OTwa  in  the  light 
has  a  glare. 

Gombei — "As  usual:  Ma!  One  deeply  distrustful.  lya! 
These  matters,  though  in  thought,  are  not  to  be  put  in  words. 
The  state  of  affairs  is  too  urgent  to  be  put  into  words.  Sa ! 
But  I  hear  you  say — '  lemon  probably  goes  to  Hachiman.  Ground- 
less all  these  censures.'  Do  you  really  believe  this?  The  in- 
trigue is  with  the  only  daughter  of  Okumura  Kinai,  by  name 
Koume.  She  is  indeed  a  beauty ;  whether  one  regard  the  shape 
of  her  face,  her  manners,  or  the  carriage  of  her  loins  as  if  the 
willow  of  spring.  The  intimacy  with  lemon  could  go  no  further. 
The  proof  spoken  of  is  here.  This  letter — the  sealed  envelope: 
it  fell  from  the  sleeve  of  lemon.  Stealthily  I  picked  it  up,  by 
accident.  Now  then  !  Whereabouts  is  it  ?  A  lengthy  thing — Sa  ! 
Let's  see  what's  in  it.  The  coquettishness  of  the  sentences ! 
But  let's  see  what  she  does  say.  Eh  !  What's  that  ?  '  The  night 
is  source  of  pleasure.  Great  the  pleasure  at  sight  of  you.  With 
compliments.'  Assuredly  there  can  be  no  mistake,  when  she  talks 
this  way — '  The  day  comes.  Soon  we  will  be  husband  and  wife; 
morning  and  night  to  be  at  your  service.     With  compliments.'  ^ 

^ Mairase  Soro:   "I   take  the   liberty  of     .     .     ."     Brinkley's   Diet. 
A  purely  formal  expression  used  in  the  letters  of  women  writers. 


254  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

— '  Thus  are  the  gods  invoked.  With  compHments.'  Eh  !  What's 
this?  '  When  distant  from  your  side  but  for  a  moment,  painful 
Time's  course.  Place  this  signature  next  your  very  person 
(hadaka)  ' — 'To-night — come  quickly;  your  advent  is  awaited. 
With  compliments.'  What  a  miserable  creature  is  this !  Is  she 
not?  But  there's  still  more.  '  O'lwa  Sama  and  matters  with  her, 
this  is  a  punishment  due  to  offence  in  a  previous  existence.  Conde- 
scend to  be  relieved  in  mind.  Be  sure  thus  to  view  it.  The  spite- 
ful brush  (pen)  stops.  With  compliments.' — '  It  is  hard  (my 
lot)  ;  very  hard.  With  compliments.' — '  The  honoured  master 
comes ;  the  ever-present  desire.'  How  naw,  O'lwa  Sama  ?  Sa ! 
Is  there  no  outbreak  as  to  this  ?  The  occasion  is  no  pleasing  one. 
Is  there  no  harsh  remark  forthcoming  as  to  one  who  holds  illicit 
intercourse  with  the  husband  of  another  ?  Eh  !  You  are  a  woman 
of  marvellous  patience  !  Oh  !  Oh  !  Oh  !  Oh  !  At  all  events  say 
what  you  think.  '  As  yet  in  this  matter,  as  yet  in  this  affair,  you 
are  certain  of  nothing.'  Is  that  it?  That  Koume  and  her  mother 
plot  together.  Eh ;  but  she  has  a  beautiful  face  !  And  you — you 
are  bloated,  eyes  wide  distended,  one  side  of  the  face  caved  in,  the 
hair  of  the  head  all  fallen  out.  That — and  that — how  describe  the 
ugliness  of  your  face !  The  affection  of  lemon  has  worn  out. 
Ah !  What  is  the  name  of  that  poisonous  drug,  begged  of  Suian 
until  secured  ?  That,  too.  has  been  learned.  Oh  !  Fearful,  fear- 
ful, fearful !  This  is  to  act  as  one  without  care.  Life  is  not  some- 
thing which  lasts  forever.  Send  from  this  house  dismissal  to 
lemon,  the  act  of  separation.  This  the  finality !  Surely  the  in- 
trigue is  proved.  Mere  thought,  easily  exhausted,  is  to  no  purpose. 
Make  up  your  mind;  express  your  feelings.  At  all  events  your 
reputation  is  preserved.  Act  and  decide  as  one  indifferent.  More 
and  more  have  in  mind  the  susuki  of  Masuo.  Deign  to  yield. 
Do  this — just  this — O'lwa  Dono  !  " 

O'Izva — "  No !  and  always,  No !  Firm  the  stand  taken.  In 
no  way  is  this  to  be  endured — to  be  endured.  To  hate  a  person 
is  unreasonable  ;  'tis  unjust.  But — the  embracing  arms,  the  closely 
clinging,  this  is  to  act  the  lover." 


APPENDICES  255 

With  fingertips  she  thrust  him  off.  Angry  the  tears ;  her  voice 
trembled. 

O'hva — "  Ya !  'A  woman,  and  the  object  of  contempt;  one 
treated  by  her  lord  with  rudeness  beyond  measure.  The  hus- 
band has  become  wearied.  Here's  the  proof.  Are  you  a  woman 
lacking  sense  ? '  One  so  unmeasurably  rude — out  with  you ! 
One's  whole  frame  vibrates  with  passion.  At  one's  very  feet,  the 
fact  is  made  plain.  Quick — away  with  you !  Delay — and  this 
shall  be  the  guerdon." 

With  violence  she  drew  the  dagger  of  Kosuke.  Gombei,  wicked 
as  he  was,  weakened  forthwith. 

Gombei — "  Eh !  Treated  thus  one's  purpose  is  brought  to  naught. 
Listen  now  to  reason,  self-willed  as  you  are.  A  little  while,  and 
it  will  not  be  the  time  for  a  snarling  face.  Very  well :  notice  is 
given  that  soon  your  spirit  will  be  broken.  The  petition  is  lodged 
at  the  Daikwan's  office.  There  will  be  difficulty  in  gathering  prin- 
cipal and  interest.  Just  wait."  He  said  these  words  on  leaving, 
ready  to  make  a  bolt  of  it.  With  zori  (sandal)  on  one  foot  and 
a  wooden  clog  (geta)  on  the  other  rapidly  he  ran  away.  Left 
alone  O'lwa  rose  in  haste.  To  the  conflagration  burning  in  her 
bosom,  was  added  the  fuel  of  a  woman's  temperament.  H  it  were 
true !  How  learn  ?  Pondering  over  the  details  filled  her  with 
anxiety. 

O'liva — "  Ah !  Ah !  Ill  feeling  seeks  to  destroy — already  it 
turns  to  wickedness.  Gombei's  face  betrayed  him.  His  talk 
was  specious.  At  sight  of  the  letter  he  read  the  doubting  heart 
learns  the  truth.  Burdensome  the  knowledge  for  one's  heart. 
The  mind  tastes  the  bitterness  of  adversity.  The  hair  of  the  head, 
behind  the  temples,  is  affected  by  the  feelings.  To  draw  out  the 
dressing  stand  to  hand :  the  little  combs  of  willow,  where  are  they? 
Sorrow  effects  change;  as  does  entanglements  of  the  heart.  The 
fine-toothed  comb  which  holds  the  thousand  strands  of  hair — 
how  now!     It  has  been  forgotten." 

Again  she  took  up  the  hair.  To  get  it  out  of  the  way  she  took  the 
front  hair  in  both  hands,  making  space  to  see. 


256  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

O'l-wa — "  Alas  !  I  fail  to  understand.  To-day  the  vertigo  is  more 
pronounced  than  usual ;  especially  with  the  hair  like  this.  Did 
sickness  cause  the  loss  ?  " 

As  she  spoke,  she  drew  the  cover  from  the  mirror.  Reflected 
in  it  was  a  face  to  inspire  fear.  Ha !  Frightened,  she  rose  and 
drew  back.  Though  she  looked  around  her — there  was  no  one. 
Alas !  How  strange !  Thus  she  stood.  Then  leaning  forward 
carefully  she  scanned  the  mirror.  "  Ya!  Ya !  Since  when  has 
my  face  been  like  this  ?  It  is  completely  altered."  As  if  she  could 
repair  the  ravages  to  self  and  features  squint-eyed  she  stood  and 
gazed.  To  sight  she  seemed  a  woman  of  evil.  "  Hai !  Ha !  " 
She  fell  prostrate.  "  How  now  !  How  pitiful!  "  Like  one  crazed 
she  arose.  Her  body  writhed  in  pain,  at  the  pit  of  the  stomach. 
These  stomach  pains,  of  frequent  occurrence,  now  seized  her. 
Thus  long  she  lay  writhing  where  she  was. 

While  she  twisted  in  agony;  knowing  nothing  of  what  has  hap- 
pened, and  hearing  the  wheedling  voice  of  a  crying  child,  Kosuke 
had  returned  and  was  at  the  entrance. 

Kosuke — "  Honoured  lady,  long  have  you  been  kept  waiting.  The 
honoured  priest  had  matter  to  relate.  In  Yotsuya  I  went  from 
this  place  to  that,  in  efifort  to  coax  supply.  But  just  now.  .  .  . 
Is  she  suckling  the  child?  "  While  speaking  he  drew  close — "  In 
the  meantime  the  honoured  illness  has  developed  beyond  measure. 
After  retiring  for  the  night  you  walk  in  your  sleep.  Eh !  Deign 
to  be  a  little  prudent." 

Softly  the  child  came  to  her  side.  On  seeing  in  what  agony  she 
was : 

Kosuke — "  Ya!    Alas  I    Alas!    Have  you  again  one  of  those  hys- 
terical attacks,  now  so  frequent  ?    Okusama !    I  say  I  " 
To  restore  her  from  the  fit  to  consciousness  he  raised  her  in  his 
arms.    Regarding  with  attention  her  frightful  appearance : 
Kosuke— "Yo\     Yo!     Yo !     Yo !     This   face  of  the  Okusama: 
Ma !    What  can  be  the  matter?  " 
He  staggered  in  bewilderment. 


APPENDICES  257 

Kosuke — "  How  changed  !  The  Danna  is  absent.  Heigh-ho  ! 
Ma !  How  has  this  occurred  ?  What  can  be  done  ?  The  cold 
water  in  the  kettle  here     .     .     ." 

Opening  her  mouth  he  made  her  swallow  a  mouthful.    He  placed 
his  mouth  to  her  ear. 
Kosuke — "  Okusama  !     Your  ladyship  !  " 

Gently  he  stroked  her  back.  Thus  nursed,  the  breath  of  the  heart- 
broken OTwa  faintly  returned. 

O'Izva — "  Hei !  Has  Kosuke  returned?  Why  do  you  stroke  me 
thus?    I  had  but  gone  to  sleep,  just  now." 

"  Oh  !  Oh  !  "  said  he—"  Ma  !  Ma  !  How  joyful.  Ah  !  lya  ! 
I  say,  Okusama ;  how  long  have  you  been  in  that  state  ?  Your  face 
inspires  fear." 

At  his  question  again  she  was  the  woman.  The  tears  in  her  breast 
rose  high  and  overflowed.  For  a  time  she  did  not  answer.  When 
a  little  calm : 

O'Izva — "  Deign  then  to  listen.  As  usual  lemon  Dono  went  forth 
to  worship  at  Hachimangu.  Subsequently  my  vertigo  was  too 
pronounced.  Two  or  three  drinks  were  taken  of  the  medicine  pre- 
scribed by  Suian  Dono.  Secretly  at  the  rear  entered  Naosuke 
no  Gombei,  to  make  illicit  courtship.  Various  were  his  pleas. 
Thus — lemon  Dono  was  deeply  in  love  with  the  daughter  of 
Okumura.  The  worship  (kami-mairi)  was  all  a  lie.  He  was  con- 
tracted to  Koume.  Hence  his  affection  for  me  was  at  an  end. 
This  change  was  due  to  the  drug.  Hear  what  is  to  be  done.  Love 
unrequited  is  to  be  satisfied  by  revenge.  Thus  did  Gombei  put 
the  matter.  But  it  is  not  likely  that  my  husband  is  so  cruel. 
Heart  again  will  turn  to  heart.  The  attack  of  vertigo  was  strong. 
The  hair  was  pulled  out.  Moreover,  suddenly  the  face  became 
altered.  .  .  .  My  appearance :  Ma  !  Gombei  then  did  not  lie. 
By  the  plotting  of  the  Okumura,  parent  and  child,  I  have  drunk 
poison.  They  have  an  understanding  with  Suian.  Eh !  At  the 
thought — at  the  thought — anger  rises.  My  husband,  a  man  of 
note,  with  him  she  commits  adultery.  Hence  the  hatred  of  these 
17 


258  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

people.  Since  the  poison  has  been  quaffed ;  as  serpent,  as  demon, 
none  shall  be  my  equal.  The  Okumura,  parent  and  child,  are 
you  the  kind  thus  to  act !  " 

Suddenly  she  sprang  up,  and  would  have  dashed  out  at  the  front. 
At  her  act  the  frightened  Kosuke  put  his  arms  around  and  stopped 
her. 

Kosuke — "  Heigh  !  Heigh  !  I  say,  Okusama  !  The  expression 
of  your  face  has  changed.  Heigh-ho!  Whither  away?  Alas! 
It  is  plain  that  she  would  go  to  the  yashiki  of  Okumura.  Evil 
her  purpose.  She  would  confute  the  malice  spoken  by  Koume, 
by  parent  and  child.  She  would  fetch  away  with  her  lemon  Dono. 
lya !  Ho,  there !  Your  honoured  judgment  strays.  She  be- 
lieves in  what  Gombei  has  said;  that  he  is  with  the  Okumura. 
Does  she  not  remember  times  past,  the  reproof  of  the  Danna? 
Sa  !  As  before  !  As  before  !  As  before!  Put  on  outward  seem- 
ing. Deign  to  be  calm.  No  !  No  !  No  !  Though  there  be  shame ; 
display  a  smile.  Do  but  this.  The  prudence  of  the  lady  carries 
the  day.  The  colour,  the  perfume,  of  the  flower  has  no  effect. 
Sa !  She  won't  stop !  She  will  go !  Thither  she  will  take  her 
way !  The  conflagration  of  her  wrath  is  in  her  glare.  She  goes, 
and  Kosuke  remains  behind!"  At  a  sound  she  looked  aroimd. 
The  little  boy  was  weeping  bitterly  at  his  mother's  state.  The  tie 
of  blood,  her  affection,  prevailed. 

O'lwa — "  Oh  !  Bonka  !  Bonka  !  Bonka  !  The  pretty  fellow 
grieves." 

She  drew  near  to  embrace  him.  Earnestly  he  looked  in  his 
mother's  face. 

Child — "  lya  !  lya  !  My  lady  mother  is  not  like  this.  I'm  afraid ! 
I'm  afraid !  " 

Weeping,  the  little  boy  dropped  from  her  knee. 
"  Bei-yo !     Please  call  my  real  lady  mother." 
O'lwa — "  Are  !    Are  !    Are  !    Deign  to  hear  that !     In  heart  chil- 
dren are  without  discernment.    My  appearance  changed,  he  fears 
the  presence  of  his  mother.     To  her  side  he  will  not  approach. 


APPENDICES  259 

How,  how  comes  this  face  !  Meeting  with  lemon  Dono  one  would 
think — one  would  think — my  very  self  meets  with  retribution 
for  some  deed  done  in  a  past  existence.  Husband  and  beloved 
child — alas!  they  avoid  my  sight." 

With  lamentable  cries  she  wept.  Kosuke,  too,  was  moved,  and 
joined  in  her  tears.  O'lwa  again  inspected  the  appearance  of 
her  face. 

O'Izva — "  To  continue  living  thus  in  the  world  would  be  one 
unending  shame.  Dying  the  grudge  will  be  repaid.  Holding  thus 
the  skirt  prevents  my  leaving.  This  must  not  be.  To  that  place 
I  go." 

As  the  two  struggled  the  girdle  (obi)  came  loose.  The  contest 
was  brought  to  an  end.  At  this  juncture  returned  Hamiya 
lemon.  He  had  little  disposition  to  enter  his  home.  Thus  unex- 
pectedly, without  premeditation,  the  two  came  face  to  face.  Mu- 
tually they  gazed  at  each  other.  "  Ho!  The  Danna:  good  day." 
Kosuke  remained  where  he  was,  uneasily  twisting.  OTwa  clasped 
tight  the  breast  of  her  husband's  coat.  "  Heigh !  lemon  Dono." 
O'lwa — "  Complete  has  been  the  silence  toward  me.  Every  night, 
every  night,  polluted.  With  Koume  have  pillows  been  exchanged." 
Speech  and  voice  vibrated  with  jealousy.  She  glared  at  him. 
Without  showing  alarm : 

lemon — "  Ma !  I  don't  understand.  This  way  of  acting  is  un- 
usual. Why  look  like  that?  In  that  manner  painful  the  change 
in  appearance." — "Why?  Why?  Eh!  You  pretend  ignorance. 
You  pretend  ignorance  of  the  joyful  result.  By  the  artifice  of 
Koume,  of  parent  and  child,  in  unison  with  Suian,  a  poisonous 
drug  has  been  given  me  to  drink.  By  this  means  I  am  made 
unrecognizable.  Would  that  never  I  had  been  born,  to  live  so 
deformed  ...  all  due  to  the  feeling  aroused  in  these  people. 
Sa  !  Sa !  Sa  !  Restore  my  former  appearance  !  Bewitched, 
seized  by  anxious  care,  it  remains  but  to  withdraw." 
lemon — "  Ya !  What  mad  talk !  In  my  absence,  loosening  the 
cord  of  the  obi,  secretly  you  indulge  your  lewdness.    Detected  by 


260  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

the  master's  eye,  disloyal  as  you  are,  death  is  the  weighty  punish- 
ment. Make  ready !  "  At  hearing  the  unjust  proposal  the  upright 
Kosuke  with  tears  held  tight  his  knees. 

Kosuke — "  Heigh  !  Danna  Sama.  lya  !  I  say,  lemon  Dono  ! 
This  Kosuke  an  adulterous  fellow  ?  Heigh-ho !  It  is  unreason- 
able !  Unreasonable !  Unreasonable !  You  speak  for  your  own 
purpose.  I,  the  mere  servant,  have  been  to  call  the  honoured  priest 
to  the  Yotsuya.  Returning  home  I  found  the  Okusama  uncon- 
scious. When  she  learned  the  true  state  of  affairs  the  Okusama 
would  have  rushed  forth.  To  stop  her  I  seized  the  end  of  the  ohi. 
And  that  is  to  be  unchaste  !  lya  !  A  paramour — heigh-ho  !  That 
is  too  much !  Too  much !  Too  much !  It  is  to  go  to  excess. 
Truly,  truly,  for  these  years  and  months  you  have  gone  forth 
in  the  world.  Such  has  been  your  conduct.  You  have  allowed  a 
sight  of  you — at  the  Bon  Matsuri,  at  the  New  Year,  in  accidental 
meetings  on  the  street  when  on  some  mission.  Why !  The  very 
dogs  bark — the  honoured  constables  of  the  night  watch — eh  !  they 
administer  reproof." 

O'lwa — "  Lamentable  the  distress.     How  many  times !     Sleepless 
the  nights — the  time  when  one  should  slumber.    But  this  does  not 
move  him.    Hence  the  unkindness  of  his  speech." 
Kosuke — "  Eh !    He  don't  listen.    Danna  Dono,  beating  the  tatami 
one  weeps  with  regret." 

O'lwa  forthwith  sprang  up  in  haste — sprang  up — sprang  up. 
"  Superior  is  the  concubine  to  the  lady  wife.  Below  the  basely 
mean  is  one  placed.  In  the  relation  of  husband  and  wife,  the 
thought  is  to  treat  the  husband  with  respect.  Such  is  the  duty 
of  woman.  To  you  the  poverty  and  distress  are  not  displayed. 
Obtaining  her  means  to  live  by  washing  and  occasional  tasks, 
yet  the  wife  is  discarded.  The  sum  total  of  the  sunshine  trans- 
forms the  flowers ;  invisible  their  change.  Regardless  of  self- 
distrust  of  the  past  is  put  aside.  But  you  act  with  cruel  motive ; 
a  grudge  as  lasting  as  a  night  without  moonlight.    From  the  clouds 


APPENDICES  261 

the  drizzle  falls  on  bamboo  and  on  village.     And  between  the  in- 
tervals of  rain  there  is  naught  but  v^^eeping." 
lemon  refused  to  listen  : 

lemon — "  Ya  !  Mere  excuses  these ;  mere  excuses  these.  In  the 
master's  absence  the  cord  of  the  obi  is  loosed.  Madly  you  go  your 
rounds.  The  lewdness  is  evident.  Sa  !  Make  honest  confession." 
At  the  outrageous  words  of  the  husband  the  voice  of  O'lwa  trem- 
bled still  more : 

O'lwa — "  Eh !  'Tis  your  own  sin  you  would  conceal.  Regard- 
less of  self  you  would  impute  evil  reputation  to  me.  Having  driven 
me  out,  you  would  make  Koume  your  wife.  But  by  that  you 
shall  gain  nothing.  Miserable  one !  Unblushingly  do  you  join  in 
the  hate  of  the  Okumura,  parent  and  child?  " 
With  a  rapid  motion  she  snatched  his  dagger.  She  half  turned : 
lemon — "  Ya !  Whither?  Whither?  Here  one  must  pick  one's 
words.  This  is  not  the  time  to  inquire  into  the  facts.  lya !  lya  ! 
lya !    Where  do  you  go  ?  " 

At  their  quarrel  Kosuke  was  perplexed.  Said  the  child  in  troubled 
voice : 

Child — "  Honoured  mother — where  go  ye  ?  Honoured  father — 
forbearance,  patience." 

He  clung  to  their  garments  in  kindness  and  affection.  The  eyes 
of  the  two  in  Shurado  (Hell  of  fighting)  were  .blinded.  On  this 
side  and  that  they  pulled  at  the  scabbard  of  the  sword.  In  the 
wrestling,  the  springing  in  and  recoil,  the  sword  slipped  from  the 
scabbard.  Without  intention  to  five  or  six  inches  it  pierced  the 
shoulder.  Atto  !  The  wife  fell — "  Namu  Sambo  !  "  -  Plucking 
out  the  sword  O'lwa  cast  it  aside.  By  the  action  of  retributive 
fate  the  point  of  the  weapon  pierced  the  chest  of  Kosuke.  The 
wound  was  fatal.  Seven  revolutions  and  a  fall :  alas !  he  was 
dying.  Close  under  his  feet  the  blow  of  lemon  had  reached 
the   child.     With  but  a   single   cry   forthwith   he   died.     At   the 

^  The  three  holy  things — Buddha,  his  Law,  the  priesthood. 


262  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

accident  the  husband  was  at  a  loss  what  to  do.  He  stood  stupified. 
With  difficulty  O'lwa  rose  from  the  ground. 

O'Izva — "  Heigh-ho  !  Heigh-ho  !  Heigh-ho  !  You  would  kill  me  ! 
Oh  !  Since  you  would  kill,  put  into  deed  the  ardent  wish.  Wretch  ! 
An  idea — Koume,  the  parent  and  child :  these  are  to  be  seized  and 
put  to  death.    Be  it  so  !  " 

With  eyes  of  hate,  her  hair  fallen  down,  jealously  glaring,  in 
appearance  she  was  just  like  a  female  devil.  Blood  curdling,  she 
inspired  fear.  The  husband  gave  vent  to  his  inner  thought : 
lemon — "  Though  one  kill  without  intent,  yet  the  brandishing 
of  the  sword  is  one's  own  deed,  one's  very  act.  It  is  the  punish- 
ment of  Heaven  for  unchastity  and  jealousy.  Bear  it  in  mind." 
At  the  cruel  words  Kosuke,  drawing  painful  breath : 
Kosuke — "Eh!  To  us,  to  us,  to  us,  such  speech  applies  not. 
Unkind,  unrighteous,  is  this  death  punishment.  There  is  naught 
to  compare  to  it.  Very  wicked  and  unprincipled,  surely  you  are 
possessed  of  a  devil !  Seldom  is  the  life  of  a  serving  man  grudged 
him ;  unconsidered  as  he  is.  Forgetful,  the  evil  reputation  of 
lechery  is  attached,  and  death  the  portion.  Eh !  How  regret- 
table !  The  sight  is  unseemly.  'Twas  you  who  inflicted  the 
wound !  To  the  Okusuma  also,  evil  the  name.  Thus,  without 
intention,  the  end  of  your  life  is  not  witnessed  by  your  child." 
lemon — "  By  the  hand  of  another  your  wound,  by  one  your 
parent !  On  my  part — on  my  part — had  I  aught  to  do  with  this  ? 
Heigh!  Am  I  not  grieved?  Eh!  Cold?  Unfeeling?  A  wound 
to  myself  could  not  pain  more." 

Vainly  writhing  he  raised  and  embraced  the  body  of  the  child. 
As  sadly  he  lamented,  OTwa  crawled  up  close.  Tightly  her  arms 
clasped  the  dead  body  of  her  child. 

O'lwa — "  Alas  !  Alas  !  Inosuke  !  Inosuke  !  The  selfishness 
of  your  father;  the  temperament  of  the  mother;  foolish  their 
thoughts.  Thus  have  you  ended  life.  .  .  .  How  great  is  the 
grudge.  Heigh  !  Exercise  forbearance  !  Exercise  forbearance  ! 
Deign  to  show  forbearance.    Parent  and  child  are  related  for  but 


APPENDICES  263 

one  life,  'tis  said.  Now  separated,  again  in  what  world  will  there 
be  meeting?  Men  are  born  into  the  wide  world.  There  is  such 
a  thing  as  sympathy,  'tis  said.  Before  your  eyes  lie  kerai  (re- 
tainer), wife,  and  child.  Now,  on  the  very  brink  of  time,  not 
once  do  you  recite  the  Buddha's  name.  Abandon  your  inordi- 
nate desires.  Is  your  heart  that  of  a  demon?  Eh!  A  snake? 
Cruel  and  cold  to  your  wife,  you  reckon  up  your  various  hates. 
With  Kosuke  I  am  the  one  to  lament.  Tears  overflow.  Steady 
the  fall  of  rain  of  Yosuji,  of  swnidare  (the  rainy  season).  When 
dying  the  chief  of  birds  vomits  forth  blood  with  his  song:  so  I." 
lemon — "  Ya !  The  song  she  sings  inspires  no  regret.  A  prayer 
said  and  the  child  enters  Nirvana.  Namu  Amida  Butsu !  As 
for  these  two — I  would  kill  them  by  inches ;  as  they  twisted,  and 
staggered,  and  fell  grasping  at  the  air,  and  in  every  way  showed 
their  agony.  In  the  next  world  may  they  meet  with  a  mountain 
set  with  sharp-edged  swords,  so  cruel  as  to  inspire  pity." 
Just  then  came  running  to  the  front  entrance  Suian.  He  gasped 
for  breath : 

"  Heigh  !    Heigh  !    lemon  Dono  !  " 

Sitian — "  O'lwa  Dono's  appearance  has  changed.  It  was  the 
drug,  our  own  secret  nostrum,  administered  at  request  of  the 
honoured  mother  of  Okumura.  Though  sorrow  was  felt,  unex- 
pected the  good  luck  in  killing  the  honoured  wife.  Henceforth 
come  out  openly.  Who  would  not  drain  the  sake  cups  with 
Koume  Dono!  The  three  lands  (China,  India,  Japan)  are  the 
inheritance  of  one  who  was  but  an  adopted  son.  All  in  good 
order !  All  in  good  order  !  All  in  good  order  !  Ha  !  Ha  !  Ha  ! 
Ha  !  Ha  !  Sa  !  To  set  about  it  at  once." 
The  husband  concealed  tears  of  regret  for  past  conduct. 
lemon — "  Plain  it  is  that  wife,  child,  and  kerai,  though  deserving 
compassion,  have  found  death.  'Twas  determined  by  fate  in  a 
previous  existence.  But  to  obviate  fear  of  future  disaster,  though 
not  the  original  purpose,  the  dead  bodies  of  these  two  are  to  be 
nailed  to  a  door  panel,  with  the  inscription — *  unchaste  and  jeal- 


264  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

ous.'  Let  them  float  away  on  the  current  of  the  Nenashigawa. 
The  entrance  of  the  house  is  close  to  the  inner  room.  Make 
ready :  it  will  be  best  to  leave  by  the  rear.  Quick !  Quick ! 
But     .     .     ." 

Sitian — "  It  happens  that  the  neighbor  Dansuke  comes."  He  bent 
and  peeped  through  the  entrance.  "  Dansuke  !  Dansuke  !  ''  Dan- 
suke Mizuo  in  presence,  mouth  to  ear  he  was  informed.  "  Namu ! 
Namu !  Namu  !  Namu !  "  He  nodded  consent.  The  two  men 
talked  in  whispers.  The  dead  bodies  of  the  two  (OTwa  and 
Kosuke)  were  carried  into  the  inner  room.  For  some  time  Nao- 
suke  Gombei  had  been  watching  what  went  on,  peeping  out  and 
listening.    He  appeared  from  the  shadow. 

Gombei — "  Yai !  Unjustly  have  the  blameless  wife  and  kerai 
been  punished  by  Hamiya  lemon.  Complaint  is  to  be  made  at 
the  Daikwan's  court." 

When  he  would  rush  forth  he  was  pulled  back  by  the  girdle  (obi). 
"  Ya !  Ya !  Whither  would  you  go?  There  is  matter  of  impor- 
tance to  hear." — "  The  intent  is  plain.  You  would  kill  me."  One 
had  the  long  sword  of  the  soldier.  Two  or  three  passes  and  he 
was  nearly  cut  down  by  the  skill  of  Hamiya.  When  he  tried  to 
flee,  from  behind  he  received  a  cut  through  the  shoulder.  It 
finished  him.  Then  he  (lemon)  would  hide  the  dead  body  of 
his  child  from  the  eyes  and  reproach  of  men.  Close  at  hand  was 
a  heavy  stone  trough.  For  funeral  rites — "  Namu  Amida  Butsu  !  " 
Into  the  well  crib  he  threw  it.  Are  !  Marvellous  !  Suddenly  the 
house  creaked  and  trembled.  From  somewhere  came  swarms  of 
rats.  Heigh !  Incomprehensible !  lemon  wavered.  Singling  him 
out  they  flew  and  seized  him.  Sha !  Confused  he  slashed  in 
attempt  to  drive  them  off.  Lightning  blazed  around  the  sword ; 
many  phosphorescent  lights — in  wreaths,  double,  triple.  To  the 
end  of  the  worlds  his  retribution. 

Thus  the  causes,  origins,  are  made  known  of  what  remains  as  the 
Yotsuya  Kwaidan. 


APPENDICES  265 

End  of  the  Gidayu 
[It  can  be  noted  that  Japanese  thought  and  expression  are  not  very 
different  from  that  of  the  West.  An  idea  perhaps  can  be  obtained 
from  this  gidayu  as  to  why  the  native  waxes  enthusiastic  over  the 
pose  and  vivid  gestures  of  the  geisha,  who  is  the  one  to  interpret 
these  dramatic  recitations.  To  her  falls  the  "^kotoba."  The  de- 
scriptive lines  are  recited  by  a  chorus  to  the  harsh  and  effective 
twang  of  the  samiscn.  The  samisen  may  not  afford  music,  but  it 
can  give  expression  to  the  emotional  in  feeling.  The  gidayu  reci- 
tation is  a  favourite  art  with  the  Go  Inkyo  Sama.  Symposia  are 
held,  before  which  the  old  gentleman  recites,  often  enough  without 
chorus ;  for  he,  and  the  geisha,  at  times  have  to  fill  the  role  both 
of  "  kotoba  "  and  chorus,  modulating  the  voice  according  to  the 
theme.  Symposia  is  not  an  unbefitting  term.  Meetings  are  held 
for  public  competition  in  gidayu  recitation;  but  in  the  privacy  of 
one's  circle  and  hobby  the  banquet  is  an  important  feature — at 
least  to  the  guests.  In  his  history  of  "  Japanese  Literature  " 
(Dai  Nihon  Bungaku  Shi,  pp.  591-596)  Suzuki  Choko  gives  a 
long  extract  from  the  play,  as  sample  of  Tsuruya's  powers  as  a 
dramatist.  Adopted  into  the  House  of  the  actor  Tsuruya  Nam- 
boku,  and  marrying  his  daughter,  Katsu  Byozo  in  turn  assumed 
the  name  Tsuruya  Namboku.] 

B 

[In  the  original  the  story  by  Momogawa  Jakuen  is  found  in  the 
Kwaidan  Hyaku  Monogatari,  vol.  ii,  p.  83  (Kokkwado-Tokyo). 
This  collection  has  already  been  referred  to,  as  sketching  a  num- 
ber of  the  best  known  Japanese  kwaidan.  The  present  example 
furnishes  a  specimen  of  kodan  style,  and  has  application  to  the 
present  subject.  It  also  instances  how  the  Japanese  stage  boldly 
faces  situations,  the  exigencies  of  which  call  for  the  greatest 
adaptation  and  facility  on  the  part  of  actor  and  stage  manager. 
The  "  Yotsuya  Kwaidan  "  in  the  stage  representation  presents  a 
number  of  critical  scenes   in  which  both  qualities  are  severely 


266  ^  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

strained.     Rapid  metamorphosis  is  a  sine  qua  non.     And  it  is 
effected — somehow.  ] 
The  kodan: 

Once  Kikugoro  no  Yurei 

From   former   times   and   generations   the   Otowa  ^    House   held 
a  monopoly  in  the  representation  of  ghosts.     Its  representative 
in  the  fifth  generation  was  the  most  skilful  of  all  at  spectres.    This 
man  of  the  third  generation  lived  at  Mukojima  no  Terajima.    He 
was  commonly  called  Terajima  no  Kikugoro;  his  stage  name  was 
Baiko.    This  man's  daughter  was  the  mother  of  the  fifth  genera- 
tion.    Thus  it  can  be  seen  that  he  was  the  maternal  grandfather 
of  this  fifth  representative.     This  third  Kikugoro  was  the  first 
to  act  the  Yotsuya  Kwaidan,  in  Bunsei  8th  year  7th  month  (14th 
August-i3th   September,   1825)    at  the   Nakamura-za    (theatre). 
The  author  was  the  noted  Tsuruya  Namboku,  who  constructed 
the  very  famous  "  Tokaido  Yotsuya  Kwaidan."     O'lwa  San,  the 
attendant  (zvakatd)  Kohei,  and  Enya  no  Ronin  Sato  Yomo  Shichi, 
these  parts  fell  to  Kikugor5.    Matsumoto  Koshiro,  he  who  strutted 
it  at  the  Koraiya,  did  the  Naosuke  Gombei.     lemon  was  the  part 
of  the  seventh  Danjuro ;  later  Ebizo,  who  was  the  real  father  of 
the  ninth  of  the  name.     The  staging  of  OTwa  Sama  includes — 
1st  scene,  the  combing  of  the  hair;   2nd  scene,  the   Sunamura 
Ornbobori ;  3rd  scene,  lemon  ill  in  the  dark  room  at  Hebiyama ; 
4th  scene,  the  yashiki  of  Naosuke  Gombei  at  Fukagawa  Sankaku. 
OTwa  appears  at  the  scene  of  the  combing  of  the  hair  as  men- 
tioned, in  the  incident  where  the  guests  are  received,  and  in  the 
\  3rd  scene  at  Hebiyama.     lemon  is  ill.     Splitting  apart  the  lantern 
set  out  during  the  Festival  of  the  Dead  (Bon  Matsuri)  the  ghost 
of  OTwa  appears  with  the  child  in  her  embrace.     lemon  receives 
them  as  would  a  stone  Jizo.     OTwa,  at  sight  of  the  fright  of 
lemon,  laughs — ki,  ki,  ki.     At  once  they  fade  away ;  and  at  once 
the  ghost  of  Kohei  the  wakato  takes  her  place,  he  who  was  charged 

^  Another  reading  of  the  characters  for  Kikugoro — to  the  initiated. 


APPENDICES  .  267 

with  unchaste  conduct  with  O'lwa.  It  was  the  part  of  the  per- 
former to  please  the  uninitiated  by  some  strenuous  effort.  The 
first  performance  at  this  theatre  was  for  three  months— from  the 
seventh  to  the  ninth  month.  On  consideration  the  drama  is  of 
interest.  O'lwa  is  killed  at  Yotsuya.  With  the  dead  body  of  the 
wakato  Kohei  she  is  fastened  to  a  door,  and  from  the  rear  the 
scoundrel  sets  them  adrift.  Fishing  at  Ombobori,  lemon  sees 
th'em  float  by.  From  Yotsuya  to  Sunamura  is  a  very  great 
distance.  It  would  occupy  a  woman's  legs  for  the  space  of  a  day ; 
or  faint-hearted  fellows,  water  drinkers,  such  of  the  kind  as 
would  try  it.  Winding  along  what  rivers,  by  what  intersecting 
canals  had  they  floated  here  ?  In  no  way  does  one  conceive.  All 
the  more  the  reasons  influencing  the  author's  design  are  not 
known.  Very  interesting  is  the  story,  to  the  cheerful  character, 
and  those  not  to  be  chilled  by  apparitions.  At  all  events  they  get 
to  Ombobori  ?  The  third  Kikugoro,  the  first  to  take  the  part  of 
O'lwa,  was  a  superlative  actor,  skilled  in  capturing  the  people. 
In  the  third  scene,  the  dark  room  at  Hebiyama,  the  ghost  comes 
forth  from  the  Bon  lantern.  Every  day  the  kozo  (man  or  boy  as 
apprentice)  of  the  utility  shop  in  Asakusa  Umacho  slowly  took 
down  the  lantern  covered  with  white  paper.  In  a  straight  line, 
before  the  eyes  of  all,  he  passed  along  Kuramaedori,  crossing  Asa- 
kusa. From  Yokoyamacho  he  crossed  to  Daimaru  no  Mae. 
Passing  through  Norigyocho  he  reached  the  Nakamura-za  in 
Sakaicho.  As  he  passed  along  these  streets  crowded  with  people, 
.  the  eyes  of  men  were  attracted : 

No.  I — "  Every  day,~'every  day,  the  koso  goes  by  carrying  that 
Bon  lantern.    Where  does  he  go  ?  " 

No.  2 — "  He  ?  Kikugoro  now  is  playing  O'lwa  Sama  at  the  Naka- 
mura-za. The  ghost  issues  from  that  Bon  lantern.  The  lantern 
used  is  brought  every  day  by  the  koso." 

No.  I—"  Ha !  A  practical  application.  We  must  be  sure  and  go 
see."  Through  this  advertisement  the  guests  came  readily.  As 
fact,  every  day  but  the  one  Bon  lantern  was  used.     Split  apart, 


268  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

it  was  repaired.  From  the  first  day,  up  to  the  performances  of 
a  thousand  autumns,  one  lantern  answered  all  purposes.  Truly 
Kikugoro  was  more  than  a  clever  actor.  He  was  wonderful  in 
securing  the  good  will  of  people.  No  actor  was  equal  to  him. 
Tradesmen,  Government  officials,  learned  men,  refined  people — 
he  was  skilful  at  gaining  their  support.  Hence  he  did  not  lack 
money.  His  status  did  not  affect  him.  When  as  usual  the  Bon 
lantern  one  day  was  to  be  carried  out,  Kikugoro  made  his  pupil 
Onozo  the  bearer.     Said  Kikugoro : 

Kikugoro — "  Onozo,  don't  I  frighten  you  somewhat  in  this 
shape  ?  " 

Onozo — "  I'm  not  in  the  least  frightened.  Every  day  acting  as 
your  assistant  I'm  not  afraid." 

Kikugoro — What?    Not  afraid?     Say  that  you're  afraid." 
Onozo — "  Patron,  that  is  unreasonable.     One  not  afraid — is  not 
afraid.    Hence  it  cannot  be  helped." 
Kikugoro — "  Anyhow,  say  you  are  afraid." 
Onozo — "  I'm  not  at  all  afraid." 
Kikugoro — "  An  obstinate  rascal,  this." 

While  speaking — pokari,  he  gave  Onozo  a  whack  on  the  head.    As 
it  was  he  went  through  the  performance.     Coming  to  the  green 
room,  at  once  he  called  Onozo. 
Kikugoro — "  Fool  and  low  fellow." 

Qnozo — "  Why  is  it  then  you  would  strike  a  fool  and  low  fellow 
with  a  stick  ?  " 

Kikugoro — "  You  are  just  like  a  fool.     A  little  while  ago  when 
told  to  be  afraid  of' me,  you  would  not  say  you  were  afraid." 
Onozo — "  Patron,    that   is   to   be   unreasonable.     I    attend   you. 
Every  day  I  see  you." 

Kikugoro — "  I  know  you  are  not  afraid.  But  you  are  the  very 
one  who  acts  as  my  attendant.  In  public  you  are  to  look  at  me 
as  one  frightened  beyond  measure.  If  this  be  not  widely  pub- 
lished, will  not  the  theatre  be  deserted  ?    An  actor  who  is  good  only 


APPENDICES  269 

at  acting,  he  is  not  to  be  called  a  clever  man.     He  must  draw 
people.    Fool  and  low  fellow  !  " 

Onoso — "  Naruhodo  !  Since  you  say  it — I'm  afraid." 
Kikugoro — "  Your  answer  now  is  to  the  purpose." 
Hence  on  considering  the  matter,  was  not  Kitcugoro  in  every  way 
a  talented  man  ?  For  the  space  of  eighty  days  this  theatre  turned 
away  guests.  Later,  in  Tempo  7th  year  7th  month  (12th  August 
to  nth  September,  1836)  again  this  drama  was  produced.  The 
actor  was  the  same  as  at  the  previous  production.  On  this  occa- 
sion Kikugoro  took  thought.  As  it  was  the  second  time,  it  must 
be  changed  in  presentation  to  an  audience.  Domo!  There  was 
the  coming  on  of  the  ghost.  It  is  clad  in  a  grey  robe.  If  OTwa 
wears  a  gray  robe,  and  the  zvakato  Kohei  wears  a  gray  robe,  both 
being  the  same  to  view  this  would  fail  to  interest.  He  con- 
tinually worried.  Nevertheless  it  would  not  do  to  wear  armour; 
and  a  ghost  in  kami-shimo  ~  raises  no  chill.  Some  contrivance 
must  be  hit  upon.  Day  and  night  the  matter  worried  him.  Habitue 
of  the  gallery  of  this  Moritaza  was  a  man  named  Tsutaya  no 
Yoshi,  commonly  known  as  Tsutayoshi.  An  extraordinarily  dis- 
solute fellow  he  borrowed  to  the  four  sides  and  eight  directions. 
At  this  time  in  the  Yoshiwara  Sumicho  was  a  tenement  placed  in 
the  rear  of  the  prostitute  houses.  He  removed  thither,  and 
soothed  his  troubles  by  living  alone.  His  face  washed  in  the 
morning,  at  once  he  ran  forth.  He  ate  his  meals  at  a  cheap 
eating  house.  A  varied  meal  consumed  he  made  his  way  to  the 
Morita-za.  Lunch  was  eaten  in  the  theatre.  On  the  return  he 
took  a  drink  and  then  went  home.  In  truth  he  was  a  lively 
fellow.  The  Yotsuya  Kwaidan  had  just  been  determined  on  for 
the  close  of  the  sixth  month  (July).  At  sundown  he  returned 
to  his  home  in  the  Yoshiwara.  On  the  way  he  drank — the 
strongest  of  liquors.     At  once  he  hung  up  the  mosquito  net  and 

*"  Top-bottom  "  :  the  beautiful  lozenge  shaped  "X  dress  of  the  samurai 
when  on  court  service,  or  for  other  ceremony :  full  dress. 


270  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

went  inside.  Not  knowing  front  from  rear  he  went  to  sleep. 
Pressed  by  a  necessity  the  sound  of  the  wooden  clappers 
(hyoshigi)  made  him  open  his  eyes.  It  was  the  harlot  quarter, 
the  9th  hour  and  more  (after  3  a.m.),  and  the  liveliness  of  the 
night  was  over.  The  quiet  of  the  place  inspired  fear.  From 
evening  he  had  not  stirred  from  the  mosquito  net,  but  had  slept. 
The  light  had  gone  out,  and  it  was  pitch  dark.  Soundly  had  he 
slept.  In  the  jar  was  fresh  water  for  drinking.  Greedily  he 
drank. 

Yoshi — "  I  have  slept — in  a  way  to  cause  fear.     It  is  now  past 
the  9th  hour.     I  still  can  sleep  without  stint." 
Again  he  entered  the  net.     He  drew  the  tobacco  box  close  to 
his  pillow  head.     He  would  smoke.     Looking  toward  the  andon, 
beneath  it,  faintly  outlined,  he  saw  somebody. 
Yoshi — "  Who  is  there?    This  place  used  to  be  a  brothel.     Now 
it  is  a  tenement.     I  rent  it.     It  don't  do  to  have  it  taken  for  a 
brothel.    Oi !   You — whence  do  you  come  ? 
At  the  words — he  !    It  disappeared. 

Yoshi — "  I  say  now !  A  marvellous  thing — that  over  there.  A 
kind  of  dream — -extraordinary:  I  don't  remember  having  a  grudge 
with  anyone.  Yai !  If  the  spirit  which  just  came  entertains  a 
grudge  I  have  never  even  dreamed  of  such.  I  am  a  dissolute 
fellow,  but  remember  no  grudge  with  anyone." 
Thus  loud  and  wrathfully  he  shouted  out.  As  one  without 
fear  he  went  to  sleep.  Waking  up,  the  next  day  he  left  the 
house  to  go  to  the  hot  bath  in  Umacho.  On  the  way  he  break- 
fasted. Then  he  went  to  the  Morita-za.  Although  the  perform- 
ance had  not  begun,  as  it  was  a  first  representation  the  theatre 
was  crowded  with  people.     Said  a  friend : 

Friend — "  Yoshi  San,  the  colour  of  your  face  is  bad.     Are  you 
affected  by  the  heat?" 

Yoshi — "  Liking    strong    spirits,    I    feel    badly.     Moreover,    last 
night  a  strange  thing  was  witnessed.     I  feel  out  of  sorts." 
Friend — "  What  was  it?  " 


APPENDICES  271 

Yoshi — "  In  the  middle  of  last  night  I  opened  my  eyes.  Dimly 
outlined  beside  the  lantern  {andon)  sat  a  rascal;  some  fellow 
who  had  been  amusing  himself  at  a  neighbouring  brothel.  I 
thought  that  being  drunk  with  wine  he  had  come  there  by  mistake. 
'Who  are  you?'  Thus  I  shouted.  It  disappeared.  Domo!  It 
was  a  strange  occurrence.  Was  it  a  ghost,  thought  I  ?  I  could 
remember  no  grudge  with  another  person.  Anyhow,  in  all  likeli- 
hood it  is  no  ghost,  thought  I.  However  I  look  at  it,  I  don't 
understand." 

Friend — "  Hei !  Yoshi  San,  it  was  your  own  imagination." 
Yoshi — "  Though  I  considered  it  a  vision  of  my  own,  as  strange 
I  mention  it." 

Friend — "  If  you  feel  bad  it  will  be  well  to  stay  away  for  to- 
night." 

Yoshi — "  I  don't  think  I  feel  badly  in  any  other  way.  To-night — 
for  the  whole  night — I'll  make  the  test." 

That  day  he  returned  to  the  Yoshiwara  house.  That  night  no 
one  was  seen.  But  when  he  did  see  it,  was  the  thing  a  matter 
of  his  own  imagination?  The  next  day  he  came  to  the  theatre. 
The  friend  was  waiting  for  him. 
Friend — "  Yoshi  San,  did  it  appear  at  night  ?  " 
Yoshi — "  lya !  At  night  it  did  not  appear.  In  the  middle  of  the 
night  opening  my  eyes  I  looked  with  especial  care  to  the  eight 
sides.  Nothing  that  could  be  considered  suspicious  w^as  to  be 
seen." 

Friend — "  Then  it  was  as  I  said.  It  being  at  one  time  a  brothel, 
would  not  something  appear  in  this  house  ?  Having  this  wholly 
in  mind,  the  thing  presented  itself  to  your  eyes." 
Yoshi — "Doubtless  it  is  but  that;  a  freak  of  the  imagination." 
That  night  returning  to  the  Yoshiwara,  nothing  happened.  A 
space  of  five  nights  passed.  His  habit  was  to  return  early ;  and  as 
his  thin  dress  was  wet  with  sweat  he  would  change  it.  Going 
upstairs  he  took  out  the  thin  garment  from  the  clothes-basket 
(tsuzura).     With  this  in  hand  he  was  about  to  descend.     Now 


272  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

as  at  one  time  the  place  had  been  a  brothel  the  steps  were  broad 

and  wide.     Seated  on  the  lower  step,  lying  face  downward,  was 

somebody. 

Yoshi — "  Ah  !    Has  it  come  ?  " 

Being  a  courageous  fellow,  while  speaking  he  raised  his  leg. 

Yoshi — "  You're  in  the  way." 

Pon :  he  gave  a  kick.     There  was  not  the  slightest  resistance. 

Forthwith — ha !  it  was  gone. 

Yoshi — "  Domo!  Remarkable:  it  is  a  strange  occurrence." 

While  speaking  he  changed  his  robe  and  lit  the  fire.     Making  the 

water  boil,  with  Echizen  peat  he  heated  some  wine  he  had  bought 

on  the  road  and  brought  home  with  him.     With  tsukiidani,^  or 

something  of  that  kind  to  eat,  he  drank  and  thought. 

Yoshi — "  To-day  it  is  no  product  of  my  imagination.     Who  can 

that  rascal  be  ?  " 

Talking  to  himself,  he  drank  the  sake.    Attending  to  preliminaries 

he  would  go  to  bed.     He  went  to  the  necessary  and  opened  the 

door.     Some  one  stood  there,  with  his  back  to  him. 

Yoshi — "  Here  again  ?  " 

At  the  words  it  disappeared.     No  matter  how  brave  he  was,  that 

night  he  felt  badly  and  did  not  sleep.     Awaiting  dawn  he  was 

quick  to  go  forth.     On  coming  to  the  theatre — 

Friend — "  Good  day :  how  goes  it  with  Yoshi  San  ?    Are  you  not 

very  much  out  of  tone? 

Yoshi — "  At  night  it  came.     Moreover  it  appeared  twice." 

Friend — "  Did  it  appear  ?  " 

Yoshi — "  At  first.it  was  seated  on  the  stair.    The  second  time  it  was 

inside  the  necessary." 

Friend — "  Hei !    That  is  marvellous.     Probably  it  is  the  work  of 

fox  or  badger  (tanuki)." 

This    talk    abruptly    terminated.      Tsutayoshi    was    a    bold    fine 

fellow.     Unmoved,  he  retired  to  his  own  home  in  the  Yoshi- 

^ "  Small   fish  boiled  in   soy  in  order  to   preserve   it    (named  after 
Tsukudajima-Tokyo — famous    for   its   preparation)." — Brinkley's    Diet. 


APPENDICES  273 

wara.    After  that  nothing  was  seen  for  several  days.    Just  as  he 

was  forcing  a  way  into  the  theatre — 

Man — "  Yoshi  San!    At  the  Bairin  (Plum  Tree)  over  the  way  is 

the  master  of  Otowaya.    He  is  urgent  to  see  you ;  so  he  says.     It 

will  be  well  to  go  at  once." 

]'oslii — "Was  he  told  I  was  here?" 

il/fl»— "  Ah  !  " 

Yoshi — "  How  annoying!    The  Otawaya  San  has  lent  me  money. 

Domo  !    A  meeting,  'tis  bad  news." 

Man — "  As  nothing  was  said  about  it — go.     Surely  the  return  of 

the  loan  is  not  involved." 

Yoshi — "  It's  not  to  be  avoided.    I'll  go  and  see." 

Opposite  to  the  theatre  was  the  tea  house  called  the  "  Bairin." 

He  went  in. 

Yoshi — "  Good-day." 

Maid — "  Oya  !    Yoshi  San.    As  the  master  of  Otowaya  is  waiting 

upstairs  for  you,  just  condescend  to  go  up." 

Yoshi—"  Ah  !    Is  that  so  ?    Condescend  to  pardon." 

Don,  don,  he  climbed  the  stairs.     At  the  end  of  a  six-mat  room 

was  a  man  fanning  himself.     He  was  alone.     It  was  Kikugoro, 

the  third  of  the  name.     He  had  been  noted  as  a  handsome  man. 

However,  at  this  time  he  was  an  old  man.     The  white  summer 

garb  of  that  very  fine  quality  of  cloth-grass  known  as  jofn  was 

girded  in  by  a  chakcnjo  obi.*     Of  his  profession  there  was  not 

a  hint. 

Kikugoro — "  Sa !    Yoshi  San,  come  here,  please." 

Yoshi — "  The  patron:  domo!  truly  it  has  been  rude  not  to  come 

and  see  you.     I  have  not  crossed  the  threshhold." 

Kikugoro — "  lya !     Why  speak  so  ?     You  now  live  in  the  Yoshi- 

wara." 

Yoshi — ■"  That  is  so ;  for  a  long  time  I  lived  in  Fukiyacho.     The 

neighbourhood  was  a  bad  one.     I  had  borrowed  money.     It  was 

*  Brown,  with  stripes — a  favourite  pattern  with  men  and  women. 
18 


274  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

like  running  away  in  the  night.  A  one-time  brothel  now  the  rent 
is  ridiculously  cheap.  Mikoshi  (carriages)  are  kept  in  it  now." 
Kikugoro — "  The  Yoshiwara  is  a  gay  place.  For  people  who 
would  amuse  themselves  there  is  none  superior.  It  is  an  excellent 
locality." 

Yoshi — "  One  can  find  whatever  is  desired." 
Kikugoro — "  So  Yoshi  San,  now  you  live  alone." 
Yoshi — "  Hai !    I'm  alone." 

Kikugoro — "  I've  just  heard  the  talk  of  people.  A  ghost  appears 
at  your  place." 

Yoshi — "Who  said  such  a  thing?" 

Kikugoro — "  lya !     It  was  heard,  by  accident.     Is  it  true?  " 
Yoshi — "  Hai !     First  it  was  seen  beside  the  andon;  then  on  the 
stairway,  and  in  the  necessary." 

Kikugoro — "  A  strange  matter!    Is  it  man  or  woman?  " 
Yoshi — "  Domo !      That  I  don't  know.    It  was  seen  as  in  a  mist. 
Whether  man  or  woman,  I  don't  know." 
Kikugoro — "  Are  there  male  and  female  ghosts?  " 
Yoshi — "  Male  or  female — I  know  nothing  about  it." 
Kikugoro — "  What  its  nature?    When  it  appears  this  time,  conde- 
scend to  take  a  good  look  at  it."     He  continued   (then) — "  The 
present  drama  of  the  Yotsuya  Kwaidan — as  to  my  part,  as  you 
well  know,  QTiy:a__and  Kqhei  before  the  very  eyes  must  change 
places  in  an  instant.     For  both  to  wear  the  grey  kimono  lacks 
interest.    Which  of  them  is  to  change  ?     It  is  on  my  mind.    Domo  ! 
Thought  fails  to  solve  the  question.     Hence  the  request  to  you. 
What  kind  of  dress  does  that  ghost  wear?    That  is  what  I  want  to 
learn." 

Yoshi—''  Hei !  " 

Kikugoro — "  But  Yoshi  San :  It  is  no  mere  request.  I  loaned 
you  ten  ryo." 

Yoshi — "  Patron,  do  you  condescend  still  to  remember  it  ?  " 
Kikugoro — "  Deign  not  to  jest.    Who  would  forget  such  a  rascal? 


APPENDICES  275 

I'll  wipe  out  that  ten  ryo — and  give  you  five  ryo  in  addition.  How 
now?    Condescend  to  observe." 

Yoslii — "  Thanks  are  felt.  When  it  appears  I'll  take  a  good  look 
at  it. 

Kikiigoro — "  With  the  month's  change  the  first  representation 
takes  place.  It  must  be  ascertained  in  the  intervening  time.  Prob- 
ably in  four  or  five  days  it  will  be  seen." 

Yosbi — "  That  is  so.  Domo !  The  opponent  being  a  ghost,  will 
it  appear  to-night  ?  Or  has  is  ended  by  going  away  ?  That  I  don't 
know.  Having  found  out  its  dwelling  place,  I'll  send  a  postal- 
card." 

Kikugoro — "  Don't  jest.  As  just  said,  I'll  give  you  five  ryo.  Be 
careful ;  and  please  take  a  good  look." 

Yoshi — "  Respectfully  heard  and  understood.  This  time  I'll  get 
a  good  look  at  it." 

Thus  agreed  Tsutayoshi  returned  that  night  to  the  Yoshiwara. 
Yoshi — "  A  pleasing  thing !  Ten  ryo  wiped  off,  and  five  ryo  re- 
ceived in  addition.  Thanks :  a  fine  bit  of  work.  It  will  be  well 
if  the  rascal  of  a  ghost  comes  to-night.  Anyhow,  just  before  the 
Bon  it  suffers  distress  beyond  measure.  For  several  days  noth- 
ing has  been  seen  of  it.  Its  purpose  may  have  changed :  Yai ! 
If  the  ghost  is  to  appear,  please  show  up  at  once.  Don't  it  yet 
appear  ?    Oi !    Ghost !  " 

The  ghost  was  not  to  be  drawn  out  by  this  display  of  energy. 
Several  days  passed  without  the  slightest  sign  of  it.  Every  day 
Kikugoro  came  to  the  Bairin  and  sent  for  Tsutayoshi. 
Kikugoro — "Yoshi  San,  has  it  not  yet  appeared?" 
Yoshi — "  Domo !  The  patron  is  vexed.  Every  day,  every  day, 
it  is  awaited;  and  not  a  sign  of  it.  Feeling  oirt  of  sorts,  has  it  not 
died?    That's  my  idea." 

Kikugoro — "  Oi !  Oi !  Yoshi  San.  Being  dead,  is  it  not  a  ghost  ? 
Once  dead,  does  the  rascal  die  again  ?  " 

Yoshi — "  D5mo !  Patron,  nothing  is  known  of  one's  spirit.  For 
it  not  to  appear  is  annoying.    Spirits  (ki)  suffer  pain;  and  suffer- 


276  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

ing  pain  they  don't  show  themselves.    It  seems  that  you  want  it  to 
appear  before  the  first  representation.     If  I  see  it,  I  get  five  ryo. 
I  would  like  to  have  it  show  itself  before  the  Bon.     My  purpose 
is  to  get  through  this  year's  Bon  ^  by  means  of  the  ghost. 
Kikugoro — "  Anyhow — have  a  care." 
Yoshi—"  Agreed." 

That  night  he  went  home  and  drank  wine. 
Man — "  Yoshi  San,  is  he  at  home  ?  " 

Thereupon  without  ceremony  entered  an  intimate  friend,  from 
Sakaicho  near  Fukiyacho.  He  had  loaned  money  to  Tsutayoshi, 
and  now  sought  the  repayment. 

Man — "Yoshi  San,  you  say  you  will  bring  it,  you  will  bring  it; 
and  you  make  no  sign  of  bringing  it.  That  was  my  money,  and 
the  failure  to  return  it  is  vexing.  Will  matters  change  before  the 
Bonf" 

Yoshi — "  Wait  but  a  little.  If  to-night  something  materializes 
I  get  iive  ryo.  The  money  in  hand,  at  once  I  will  pay  you  back." 
Man — "  What  is  going  to  materialize  ?  The  five  ryo  you  spoke 
of?" 

Yoshi — "  In  fact  at  my  house  a  ghost  appears.  The  Otowaya 
San  heard  of  it.  As  of  immediate  use  to  the  theatre  I  am  care- 
fully to  observe  what  the  ghost  wears.  He  says  he  will  give  me 
five  ryo.  The  money  obtained,  at  once  the  two  ryo  will  be  repaid. 
Wait  until  that  happens." 

Man — "  Oi !     Oi !     Yoshi  San.     Does  a  ghost  really  appear?" 
Yoshi — "  It  really  does." 
Man—"  What  kind  of  a  ghost  ?  " 

Yoshi — "As  to  that — right  before   one;   a  most  blood-curdling 
thing.    Anyhow,  I  shiver  all  over  at  sight  of  it.    Just  like  this — " 
Man — "  Where  does  it  show  itself  ?  " 
Yoshi — "  Just  where  you  are  seated." 
Man — "  Yoshi  San,  jokes  don't  go." 

°  Feast  of  the  Dead.     This  festival  is  held  in  July — in  the  country 
in  August,  the  old  calendar  seventh  month. 


APPENDICES  277 

Without  waiting  for  an  answer  he  fled.  Seeing  this  said  Tsuta- 
yoshi : 

Yoslii — "  A  ghost  is  a  very  profitable  object.  Do  but  speak  of  it, 
and  he  who  would  collect  borrowed  money  takes  to  flight.  If  it 
appears,  money  is  obtained.  Hence  a  ghost  is  a  remarkable  thing. 
After  this  when  the  dry  goods  man  comes  for  repayment,  I'll 
chase  him  out  again  with  the  ghost.  Anyhow  this  house  brings 
good  luck.  The  rent  is  cheap,  and  there  is  a  ghost  which  enables 
one  to  dodge  paying  loans.  Thanks  :  henceforth  in  renting  a  house 
I'll  confine  myself  to  haunted  houses.  So  much  for  that.  Will 
it  show  itself  to-night?  " 

Tsutayoshi  hung  up  the  mosquito  net.  He  drank  a  glass.  Thus 
reinforced,  tranquil  and  pleased  he  laid  down  on  the  pillow.  After 
sleeping  awhile  he  opened  his  eyes.  All  around  was  quiet.  The 
bustle  of  the  night  had  ceased.  There  was  not  a  sound.  Outside 
the  mosquito  net  the  wick  of  the  andon  had  burned  low  and  gave 
a  faint  light.  Suddenly  the  bell  of  the  eighth  watch  (i  a.m.) 
was  heard  on  Bentenyama.  Thereupon — de  !  .  .  .  the  sound 
was  heard  and  the  light  of  the  andon  went  out.  Then  as  a  mist 
an  object  like  to  a  human  being  (hito)  was  visible.  Ha!  Tsuta- 
yoshi was  frightened.  Was  this  the  ghost  ?  He  rolled  up  the  mos- 
quito net,  the  pupils  of  the  eyes  intent.  Thus  he  had  it  in  plain 
view.  The  hair  of  the  head  was  in  wild  disorder.  To  sight  it 
was  certain  it  was  a  man.  He  wore  a  grey  cotton  garment. 
Yoshi—"  That's  it !  " 

At  the  sudden  exclamation — Ha !  It  disappeared.  The  andon 
having  previously  gone  out  truly  it  was  the  very  blackness  of  night. 
Coming  out  from  under  the  mosquito  net  he  (Yoshi)  lit  the  wick. 
Smoking  his  tobacco  he  staid  awake  until  dawn.  In  time  the 
East  became  white.  At  once  he  left  the  house.  He  entered  the 
bath  at  Agecho,  breakfasted  as  usual  at  the  cheap  eating  house  in 
Komegata,  and  then  went  to  the  Morita-za  in  Kibikicho. 
Friend — "  Good-day." 
Yoshi — "  lye  !    It's  hot  to-day." 


278  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Friend—"  How  now,  Yoshi  San  ?    The  O'Bake?  " 
Yoshi — "  As  usual — it  came  in  the  night." 

Friend — "  Is  that  so  ?  When  Otowaya  San  hears  that,  he  will 
rejoice." 

While  in  talk  a  message  came  from  Kikugoro.     At  once  Tsuta- 
yoshi  went  to  the  Bairin.     Otowaya  was  waiting  for  him. 
Kikugoro — "Yoshi  San,  how  now — the  ghost?" 
Yoshi — "  Patron,  condescend  to  rejoice.    It  appeared  in  the  night." 
Kikugoro — "  Did  it  appear  ?     The  rascal  is  brave.     Is  it  man  or 
woman  ?  " 

Yoshi — "  A  man  in  all  likelihood." 
Kikugoro — '*  The  dress  ?  " 

Yoshi — "  Was  seen  to  be  grey  cotton — positively  so." 
Kikugoro — "  That's  interesting.     A  kimono  of  grey  colour  just 
suits  the  ghost  of  the  wakato  Kohei.    Sa !    Yoshi  San,  in  accord- 
ance with  the  bargain  I  give  you  five  ryo." 
Yoshi — "  Domo  !    Thanks  are  felt." 

Kikugoro — "  There  they  are.  Yoshi  San,  you  are  a  brave  fellow. 
Life  in  a  haunted  house  is  unpleasant.  It  will  be  well  to  remove 
elsewhere." 

Yoshi — "  lya !  A  haunted  house  is  splendid.  A  friend  just  now 
came  for  the  return  of  borrowed  money.  When  told  of  a  ghost 
appearing,  he  fled.  Again,  merely  for  noting  what  the  ghost  wears, 
you  tell  me  I  will  get  five  ryo.  All  this  is  due  to  the  honoured 
shadow  of  the  ghost.  Thus  regarding  (my)  Yurei  Dai  Myojin 
Sama,®  to  abandon  such  a  splendid  ghost  and  remove  to  some  other 
place  would  change  my  luck.  My  purpose  is  to  go  on  living  with 
this  ghost. 

Kikugoro — "  In  that  case,  Yoshi  San,  it  would  be  well  to  have 
the  house  cleaned.  Domo !  Don't  you  think  it  is  the  work  of  fox 
or  tanuki?  " 

Yoshi — "  Naruhodo !  At  all  events  I'll  have  the  house  cleaned." 
So  receiving  the  money  from  Kikugoro,  rejoicing  Yoshi  returned 

°  Apparitional  divine  lord. 


APPENDICES  279 

to  the  Yoshiwara.    On  the  way  he  took  a  glass  or  so.     Somewhat 

drunk,  he  entered  the  Tanaka  no  Mikawaya,  a  tabi  (sock)  shop. 

The  house  was  the  owner  of  the  place  where  Tsutayoshi  lived. 

Yoshi — "  Good-day." 

Mikawaya — "  Oya !    Yoshi  San.    Are  you  on  your  return?    Ma! 

Condescend  to  enter.    Domo  !    The  theatre  now  pleases  the  people. 

The  audiences  are  large." 

Yoshi — "  Thanks  are  felt." 

Mikawaya — "  What  your  business,  Yoshi  San  ?  " 

Yoshi — "  Danna,  I  would  like  to  have  the  house  cleaned." 

Mikazvaya — "  Cleaned  ?  " 

Yoshi — "Domo!     At  present  a  supernatural  object  appears.     It 

is  vexing.    As  I  will  furnish  the  wages  of  the  workman,  I  thought 

it  would  be  well  to  have  it  cleaned." 

Mikawaya — "  Hei !     What  appears  ?  " 

Yoshi — "  At  times  a  ghost  shows  itself." 

Mikawaya — "  A  ghost  ?  " 

Yoshi — "  Once  it  showed  itself  beside  the  andon.     The  second 

time  it  was  seen  in  the  necessary.    At  evening  it  was  seated  at  the 

entrance  to  the  stairs.     There  is  nothing  to  fear,  unless  it  be  the 

work  of  fox  or  badger.    It  would  be  bad  for  outsiders  to  get  wind 

of  it;  so  I  would  like  to  have  the  place  cleaned." 

Mikazvaya — "  Is  it  man  or  woman?  " 

Yoshi — "  There  is  no  doubt  of  its  being  a  man,  of  small  stature. 

His  dress  plainly  is  of  grey  cotton." 

Mikazvaya — "  A  dress  of  grey  cotton — the  man  of  small  stature, 

Un  !    Jo  !    It  is  that  low  fellow." 

Yoshi — "  Oi !    Oi !    Danna,  did  you  know  him  ?    Was  he  a  wicked 

fellow?     Setting  up  in  the  ghost  way — pray  excuse  me." 

Landlord — "  Ma !     Yoshi  San,  please  hear  what  I  have  to  say. 

The  house  that  I  rent  to  you  originally  was  a  brothel  called  the 

Yamashiroya.     The  landlord  was  an  unrighteous   fellow.     One 

night  an  oiran  lacked  any  guest.'^     He  took  her  with  him  to  the 

'  The  expression  is  technical — "  hitoban  de  mo  o  cha  wo  hikeba."     All 
night  a  mere  tea-server. 


280  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

scmcha — (punishment  room)  and  treated  her  most  cruelly.  No 
one  called  the  place  '  the  Yamashiroya.'  It  was  known  as  the 
Onimise  (devil-shop)  of  Fushimicho.  It  was  just  this  time  last 
year  that  a  wakaslifi  (attendant)  named  Tokuzo  fell  in  love  with 
a  woman  named  Kotsu  no  Wakatake.  Pressed  for  money,  to 
get  it  he  had  an  eye  to  the  pillows  of  the  guests.  From  the  low 
brothel  mentioned  perhaps  he  would  get  a  bu — a  couple  of  shu. 
A  restitution  privately  effected  would  have  been  well.  He  was 
roped  up  and  carried  ofif  to  the  town  hall.  In  every  way  a  low 
scoundrel  he  was  sent  to  Temmachd.  Soon  after  he  died  in  the 
jail.  Subsequently  there  were  nothing  but  unpleasant  happenings 
at  the  Yamashiroya.  It  was  completely  ruined.  Later  I  bought 
it.  Undecided  about  setting  it  up,  I  divided  it  into  two  houses 
and  rented  them  out." 
Yoshi—''  Hei !  " 

Mikazvaya — "  That  Tokuzo,  as  the  zvakashii  was  called,  when  sent 
to  the  town  hall  was  dressed  in  the  thin  grey  cotton  robe  given  as 
present  to  him  by  an  oiraii.  I  knew  Tokuzo.  He  was  flighty  and 
good  natured;  an  interesting  fellow.  Of  low  stature,  he  was  a 
good  worker.  Probably  he  failed  to  carry  out  his  purpose." 
Yoshi — "Is  that  the  case?  It  is  a  wonderful  affair.  Anyhow 
condescend  to  make  everything  clean." 
Mikazvaya — "  Agreed." 

After  this  workmen  came  from  the  Mikawaya,  and  the  cleaning 
up  was  performed.  Tsutayoshi  at  a  subsequent  meeting  with 
Kikugoro  told  him  the  story  of  Tokuzo.  It  would  be  well  to  have 
a  funeral  service  held.  So  the  memorial  service  for  Tokuzo  was 
conducted  at  the  family  temple  of  Tsutayoshi.  The  figure  was 
never  again  seen.  Kikugor5  in  the  role  of  ghost  of  the  zvakato 
Kohei  came  out  dressed  in  a  grey  robe  marked  with  kokumochi 
(the  badge  of  the  white  disk  figured  on  coloured  ground).  Ke- 
fore  one's  very  eyes  he  changed  to  OTwa.  As  ghost  and  arrayed 
in  the  family  crest  it  was  restricted  to  the  Kohei  of  the  "  Yotsuya 
Kwaidan."    The  theatre  was  packed.     Such  was  the  crowd  that 


APPENDICES  281 

the  upper  gallery  of  the  theatre  collapsed.  Even  though  an  actor, 
everywhere  he  (Kikugoro)  was  spoken  of  as  a  great  man.  To 
favoured  guests  of  Kikugoro  the  matter  was  so  related.  Thus 
the  tale  is  a  true  one. 

Takuan 

Three  great  priests  of  influence  figure  in  the  rule  of  the  first 
three  Tokugawa  Shogun.  Tenkai  Osho  of  the  Nankwobo,  bishop 
of  the  temple  foundation  at  Ueno,  was  all  powerful  under  lyeyasu. 
His  successors,  Nikkei  Sozu  of  the  San-en-Zan  Zojoji  at  Shiba, 
and  Takuan  Zaisho  of  the  Daikokudo,  the  Tokaiji  of  Shinagawa, 
were  the  priestly  influences  under  the  2nd  and  3rd  Shogun.  It 
is  the  last-named  cleric  who  is  responsible  for  the  hard  and  pala- 
table yellow  preparation  of  the  daikon  (radish)  known  under  his 
name  of  takuan.  The  daikon  is  soused  in  brine  and  rice  bran,  kept 
weighted  down  under  heavy  stones,  and  allowed  '*  to  ripen  "  for 
some  weeks.  A  way  station  in  its  preparation  and  edibility,  and 
to  be  experienced  in  every  Japanese  household,  is  the  unspeakable 
and  unbreathable  soft  nukamisozukc.  Its  presence  always  arouses 
suspicion  of  a  pressing  defect  in  the  house  drainage. 

Takuan  deserves  esteem  and  appreciation  for  other  than 
culinary  reasons.  On  a  visit  to  the  castle  one  day  the  old  friar 
noted  the  depression  of  his  valued  and  intimate  friend  Yagyu 
Tajima  no  Kami.  The  aging  dmetsnkc  (suzerain's  eye)  and 
fencing  teacher  to  the  third  Sh5gun  opened  out  his  woes.  His 
second  son  was  dead.  His  third  son  was  worthless.  At  least 
the  father  thought  so  at  this  time.  His  eldest  son,  Jubei,  as  great 
at  arms  as  himself  and  his  legitimate  successor,  was  a  madman — 
gone  mad  over  his  own  excellence.  Takuan  heard  the  particulars. 
At  once  he  volunteered  to  act  as  physician.  "  Be  of  good  heart. 
This  Takuan  will  prescribe."  The  grateful  Munenori,  in  the 
course  of  the  next  few  days  sent  to  the  prelate's  quarters  to  know 
when  the  journey  to  the  far-ofif  Yamato  fief  would  be  made.  He 
would  make  provision  for  the  prior's  comfort  and  conveyance. 


282  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Said  a  sleek  scribe  and  substitute — "  The  lord  abbot  has  long 
since  departed.  It  is  useless  to  attempt  to  overtake  him.  He 
travels  fast."  Such  was  the.  message  to  the  pleased  but  discom- 
fited Munenori.  Meanwhile  at  Yagyu  Masakizaka  in  Yamato 
there  turned  up  a  shabby  travel-stained  old  fellow.  The  gate- 
keepers were  inclined  flatly  to  refuse  admission.  However,  the 
karo,  or  chief  officer  of  the  fief,  had  to  be  notified.  He  was  un- 
willing to  let  slip  any  chance  of  relief  to  the  condition  of  Jubei 
Dono.  With  some  misgivings  the  old  fellow  was  ordered  around 
to  the  garden.  The  samurai  code  made  little  account  of  cutting 
down  a  retainer,  a  beggar,  or  an  outcast.  In  the  first  case  com- 
pensation was  allowed ;  the  last  two  were  honoured  by  the  experi- 
ment. Priests  and  women  were  not  covered  by  the  code;  matter 
of  omission,  rather  than  of  importance.  The  wanderer  had  taken 
his  seat  by  the  little  pond  in  the  garden.  Here  to  all  appearance 
he  remained  in  a  meditation  which  was  roughly  interrupted  by 
the  irruption  of  the  lord  of  the  mansion  into  a  room  close  by. 
Jubei  kicked  the  shoji  out  of  the  frames,  and  strode  to  the  edge 
of  the  verandah.  His  hair  was  in  wild  disorder.  He  wore 
armour  on  his  shoulders,  and  was  stark  naked  below  the  waist. 
Face  twitching  and  eyes  flashing  he  hailed  his  visitor,  to  demand 
on  what  mission  he  had  dared  to  intrude  on  the  time  and  patience 
of  the  great  man.  Let  the  excuse  be  a  good  one.  Otherwise — 
But  at  abuse  the  cleric  was  a  good  hand  himself.  He,  too,  had 
heard  of  Jubei  Dono;  he  who  posed  as  the  great  man  of  Nippon. 
This  was  poaching  on  his  own  ground,  for  he  set  himself  up  to 
be  the  match  of  any  number  in  the  land.  At  this  Jubei  broke 
into  angry  jeers  and  invectives.  The  priest  made  answer  with 
equal  roughness.  "  How  face  two  opponents — to  right  and  left  ?  " 
Jubei  snorted  with  contempt.  He  was  active  enough  to  neglect 
the  one  and  cut  down  the  other  before  aid  could  be  brought.  The 
Yagyu-ryu,  or  style  of  fencing,  made  provision  for  such  occasion. 
Aye !  And  for  four — and  against  eight  ..."  And  against 
sixteen,  and  thirty-two,  and  sixty-four,  and  a  hundred  and  twenty- 


APPENDICES  283 

eight  opponents  .  .  .  against  all  the  many  fighting  men  of 
Nippon  ?  How  would  Jubei  face  all  those  ?  "  To  this  Jubei  could 
but  answer  that  he  would  die  fighting.  The  priest  in  his  turn 
snorted  with  contempt.  "  Die  fighting :  by  such  words  Jubei 
admits  defeat."  But  he  did  not  allow  Jubei  to  turn  questioner  in 
his  turn.  Swiftly  he  shifted  the  argument.  He,  the  cleric,  con- 
sidered Jubei  of  small  account.  He  would  prove  to  him  what  a 
fool  he  was  by  the  interpretation  of  a  mere  thirty-one  syllables 
of  poetry.  This  should  be  the  test  of  intelligence.  The  Knight's 
Way  (Budo)  had  its  inner  and  cryptic  meaning  expressed  in 
verse.  So  had  the  Way  of  the  Buddha  (Butsudo).  Of  this  latter 
Jubei  knew  nothing;  and  he  doubted  if  he  knew  anything  of  the 
former.  At  least  let  him  display  some  sample  of  his  wit.  Jubei 
leaped  at  the  test  to  prove  his  greatness.  Now  he  scorned  to  deal 
with  a  priest  in  arms.    How  was  this : 

"  By  night  storm  of  Narutaki  broken, 
The  scattered  jewels,  e'en  the  moon,  it  harbours."' 

"  Is  there  but  that  to  prove  wit?  " — "  How  then  with  this  one?  " 

"Tree  leaves  on  Yamakawa's  flood: 
The  self,  abandoned,  does  but  drift — lo!"" 

The  priest  threw  up  his  hands.  "  Such  stuff  will  never  do !  And 
this  fellow  considers  himself  educated !  " 

"Rain  seen,  impeded  not  to  flow  away; 

The  snow  breaks  not  the  stem  of  willow  green."  '" 
"  Various  and  many  though  the  ways  of  teaching  be, 

There  is  but  one  true  stroke  of  sword."  " 

*  [Narutaki  no  yoru  no  arashi  ni  kudakarete ; 

Chiru  tama  goto  ni  tsuki  zo  yadoreru.] 
°  [Yamakawa  no  nagare  ni  ko  no  ha  shizumu  tomo; 

Mi  wo  sutete  koso  ukabu  se  mo  are.] 
"  [Furu  to  miba  tsumoranu  saki  ni  haraekashi ; 

Yuki  ni  wa  orenu  aoyagi  no  ito.l  ° 
"  [Sama  Sama  to  oshie  no  michi  mo  okeredo 

Uchikomu  tokoro  shin  no  itto.]  * 


284  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

Jubei  gleamed  most  homicidally  at  his  questioner.  The  priest  only 
said — "  A  child  has  such  by  heart."  And  Jubei  knew  'twas  so, 
and  was  rebuked.    Now  he  was  in  less  haste : 

"  The  heart,  how  judge  it? 
An  ink  sketch   of  the  breeze  amid  the  pines."  ^" 

A  shrug  of  the  shoulders  was  the  reward  of  this  effort. 

"  Though  barrier  mount,  the  leafy  mount,  the  inner  mount,  be  dense 
with  leafage; 
What  e'er  one  wills,  naught  hinders."  " 

The  priest  shook  his  head  as  with  grave  indulgence  to  childhood's 
thoughts.  Jubei  burst  into  a  rage.  He  turned  to  his  sword- 
bearer,  and  laid  hand  on  the  weapon.  The  lad  knelt  with  bowed 
head,  uncertain  whether  the  sword  was  to  fall  on  himself  or  the 
visitor.  Without  paying  the  slightest  attention  to  the  hostile  atti- 
tude the  priest  cut  matters  short.  "  Jubei  Dono  would  question 
the  priest's  right  to  judge.  Come  now !  The  cleric's  foolish  head 
against  the  wits  of  Nippon's  great  man.  O  warrior,  interpret !  " 
A  sign;  and  ink  stone  and  poem  paper  (tanzaku)  were  put  before 
him.    Jubei  in  turn  took  the  scroll  in  hand.    He  read : 

"  Tataciimuna,  yukuiia,  iiiodoruiia,  isuwaruna ; 
Neruna,  okiruna,  shim  mo  shiranti  mo." 
"  It  neither  stands  still,  nor  goes  forward,  noi 
goes  backward,  nor  remains  as  it  is; 
It  sleeps  not,  rises  not:  known  or  unknown." 

Jubei  started  with  a  bellow ;  and  ended  in  a  whisper.  The  re- 
tainers looked  in  each  other's  faces.  Who  was  the  maddest — their 
lord  or  the  shabby  hozuf  A  long  silence  followed.  Jubei  no 
longer  stood  in  grandiloquent  pose.     He  squatted  down  before 

"  [Kokoro  to  wa  ikanaru  mono  wo  iu  yaran; 

Sumie  ni  kakitsu  matsu  kaze  no  oto.]  ° 
"  [Tsukubayama,  Hayama,  Nakayama,  Shigeredomo; 

Omoiru  ni  wa  mono  mo  sawarazu.]  ° 


APPENDICES    ,  285 

the  ideographs.  At  last  he  said — "  The  poem  contains  much  mat- 
ter. Deign  to  allow  time  for  the  solution."  His  voice  was  gentle 
and  courteous  to  this  future  victim  of  his  intelligence.  The  priest 
nodded  a  genial  assent.  Before  he.  withdrew  Jubei  gave  emphatic 
orders  as  to  ward  and  entertainment.  The  pleasures  of  antici- 
pation, of  solution  of  the  poem  and  slicing  of  the  cleric,  must 
have  compensation.  His  tread  was  slow  and  stately  as  he  left 
the  room ;  his  looks  were  contained  and  thoughtful.  The  man 
of  black  robe  was  carried  off  to  a  better  reception  than  so  far 
experienced.  With  scorn  he  sent  away  the  scanty  meal  of  vege- 
table food;  and  ordered  matters  to  his  taste  with  a  manner  that 
none  cared  to  obey,  or  dared  to  disobey. 

Meanwhile  Jubei  started  in  on  the  poem.  With  the  progress 
of  his  efforts  ideas  of  his  greatness  disappeared.  No  matter  what 
might  be  his  skill  with  the  sword — and  the  priest  already  had 
shown  its  limitations — his  inexperience  in  literature  was  patent. 
Ah  !  If  he  could  but  win  the  head  of  this  scurvy  cleric.  His  mind 
now  was  totally  removed  from  thoughts  of  himself.  For  two  days 
and  two  nights  he  never  closed  his  eyes,  which  were 
fastened  on  the  infernal  ideographs — palpably  so  full  of  a  meaning 
he  could  not  grasp.  Then  he  was  worn  out.  He  went  to  sleep, 
and  slept  for  a  full  twenty-four  hours.  On  awaking  he  was  a 
different  being.  The  cobwebs  of  the  mind  were  clean  swept.  Its 
vague  shiftings  had  been  brought  to  concentration — to  thought. 
Now  it  was  the  household  which  was  mad  with  joy.  It  was  Jubei, 
lord  of  the  manor,  who  sought  interview  with  his  saviour.  Pros- 
trate he  gave  thanks,  apology  for  the  poor  entertainment;  and 
expressed  his  hope  and  wish  to  keep  always  by  him  the  holy  man. 
Who  was  he — this  man  who  had  given  him  back  mind  and  power 
of  thought?  Just  then  a  messenger  from  his  father,  Tajima  no 
Kami,  was  announced.  Those  assembled  leaned  forward  at  sight 
of  the  man  in  amazed  prostration,  first  before  his  lord,  then  before 
the  shabby  old  priest.    "  Takuan  Osho  Sama  at  Yagyu !    And  yet 


286  THE  YOTSUYA  KWAIDAN 

this  Kyutaro  has  made  all  speed  to  Yamato  to  make  report  of 
his  lordship's  coming."  All  fell  on  their  faces,  including  Jubei. 
Takuan  smiled,  a  little  grimly.  "  The  garb  makes  not  the  cleric. 
Jubei  Dono  will  forgive  the  presence  of  the  humble  priest  who 
now  must  leave  him,  pressed  by  affairs,  none  of  which  have  been 
more  important  than  the  mission  here."  And  leave  he  did— but 
ample  gifts  to  the  temple  followed  after.  Jubei  never  could  take 
his  father's  place  close  to  the  Shogun's  side.  His  one-time  mad- 
ness forbade  assumption  of  such  office.  Indeed  on  rare  occasions 
the  mad  fit  again  would  threaten;  but  the  infallible  remedy  was 
at  hand.  To  Jubei's  question  Takuan  had  answered — "  The  mean- 
ing? The  poem  has  none.  If  there  had  been  verily  Takuan  would 
have  lost  his  head.  But  find  one,  if  you  can."  The  joy  of  Tajima 
no  Kami  was  completed  by  the  return  of  his  third  son  Matajuro, 
restored  to  normal  health.  Later  this  Matajuro  became  the 
famous  Hida  no  Kami  and  successor  to  his  father  as  the  Shogun's 
fencing  master.    Of  these  three  men — more  anon." 

"  Cf . — "  Araki  Mataemon — Ueno  Adauchi,"  by  Masui  Nanzan. 
There  is  little  reason  to  believe  that  Jubei's  madness  was  assumed, 
a  rather  extravagant  explanation  of  the  more  than  probable  fact  that 
his  well-known  travels  were  inspired  by  the  Shogun's  government. 
Actual  knowledge  and  inspection  of  the  conditions  and  feelings  in  far- 
off  Satsuma,  made  by  an  expert,  was  much  desired.  Okubo  Hikozae- 
mon  also  travelled  as  the  Shogun's  private  eye.  Jubei  undoubtedly 
found  his  reputation  for  one-time  madness  very  useful,  and  played 
upon  it. 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

LOAN  DEPT. 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 

Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


^ 


4    1957 RtiiiiEc  AUG  0  31987 


EC'D  CD 


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AUG  1 1 1999 


4-w^  u  LD 


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AUG  14  1984 


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General  Library 

University  of  California 

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